"Very well, according to Grisier, who was my teacher. Didn't I tell you that I received a man's education? Come, monsieur, on guard, and look out for yourself!"
I took the foil. I thought, at first, that all I needed to do was to parry carelessly a thrust or two. But Frédérique soon undeceived me; she was sharp and persistent in attack, quick in parrying. Twice I was touched, and she exclaimed:
"Ah! so that's how you defend yourself, is it? Why, poor fellow, you will let him kill you! Attack—attack, I say!"
These words recalled me to myself; my self-esteem was aroused. We continued for some time, and at last I touched her. She dropped her foil and embraced me, saying:
"That's all right! that will do! But you must be careful; you must not be taken unawares. Whom shall you have with you to-morrow?"
"You remind me. I shall get Balloquet. I can rely upon him, and I must go this evening and leave a letter for him. But I must have another second. Those fellows insist on having three on a side. Whom in the devil shall I get?"
"Don't cudgel your brains, my friend. Your other second will be at your rooms at nine o'clock to-morrow."
"Do you know of someone?"
"Yes."
"Ah! I'll wager that you are thinking of Baron von Brunzbrack?"