But Monsieur de la Bérinière at once took the other, while his older second grumbled:
"In God's name, who are these two idiots of seconds who know absolutely nothing as to what they are doing?"
Cherami at once stood on guard, saying:
"At your service, monsieur le comte, whenever you choose."
"I am here, monsieur."
Monsieur de la Bérinière had been a very good fencer in his youth, but years had impaired his agility and strength. It was easy to see that Cherami was sparing his adversary, to whom he observed, as he parried his thrusts:
"Well done, monsieur le comte! very pretty work, indeed! You must have been a fine fencer formerly."
But these compliments, instead of flattering the count, stung and irritated him, because he saw that his opponent was playing with him; and he suddenly cried:
"What the devil! in God's name, monsieur, attack! you confine yourself to parrying! Do you think you're fighting with a novice?"
"Is that your wish, monsieur le comte? Solely to comply then——"