I met the group, consisting of M. and Madame Duplay, the two daughters, and the two apprentices, at the top of the Rue St. Honoré. I went up to and saluted them. They, too, had remarked the hesitation with which the King took the oath, and were, in consequence, sorrowful. We entered the house; the dinner awaited us; Duplay invited me to join them; I assented. During the meal, Félicién, sure of his superiority over me as a fencer, spoke of the promise I had made to try a bout with him; and asked me, if, after dinner, I was prepared to stand by our agreement, and give M. Duplay and his daughters, the pleasure of witnessing our prowess. I replied that if it would please my worthy hosts, I should only be too happy to make such a slight return for their kindness and hospitality towards me. Dinner finished, we passed into the workshop, Félicién evidently expecting an easy victory over me, and speaking much as a master would to a pupil. M. Duplay and the young ladies being seated, we each took our mask and foil. “Be easy,” said Félicién, in a whisper intended to be heard; “I will not hurt you.” “Thanks!” replied I; “for I shall probably be at your mercy.” “Would you like to begin?” asked Félicién. “As you please,” said I. We placed ourselves on guard. At the first pass, I saw that Félicién tried to touch me; which, between strangers, lacks courtesy. However, I appeared not to notice it, and contented myself by parrying his thrust. Now came my turn. I made four or five passes only; but they were sufficient to show me that, though Félicién was a tolerable fencer, he had no chance with me. I had paid great attention to the instructions given me, as I wished to make rapid progress; while Bertrand being an able master, and I his sole scholar, he was enabled to devote all his attention to me. Félicién, also, after the first few passes, perceived my superiority over him. I allowed him to make five or six thrusts at me, simply contenting myself with parrying them. Once he grazed the wristband of my shirt, but he did not dare say “Touched!” I saw the blood mount to his face. “My dear Félicién,” said I, “I have been three hours under arms, and am fatigued. If you will allow me, I should like to put an end to our combat. The ladies, I am sure, will accept my excuse.” “They may, but I will not,” said he. “I know full well, by the strength of your parries, that your arm is not fatigued. Say that you believe yourself to be a better fencer than I am, and that you are generous enough not to pursue your advantage.” “Then you wish to continue?” “Certainly. If you are the better man, I will take the lesson, as an obedient scholar should.” “You hear the promise that M. Félicién makes,” said I, turning to M. Duplay; “and you are witness that I continue solely on that agreement?” “Yes, yes!” cried all the spectators, especially the two girls, who seemed to me to wish the pride of the apprentice lowered. I saluted Félicién with my foil.