I'll talk to you in the copse.

And tread softly lest you arouse the sentry on the other side." Rejoiced to see the man so wide awake in him, I followed him closely across the terrace, and through the rose garden to the bank of the river.

This we followed until we came at last to the belt of willows, where, having found a suitable patch of even and springy turf, I drew my sword and invited him to make ready.
"Will you not strip ?" he inquired sullenly.
"I do not think so," I answered.

"The night air is sharp.

Nevertheless, do you make ready as best you deem fit, and that speedily, Monsieur." With an exclamation of contempt, he divested himself of his wig, mask, and doublet, then drawing his sword, he came forward, and announced himself at my disposal.
As well you may conceive, we wasted no time in compliments, but straightway went to work, and that with a zest that drew sparks from our rapiers at the first contact.
The Marquis attacked me furiously, and therein lay his only chance; for a fierce, rude sword-play that is easily dealt with in broad daylight is vastly discomposing in such pale moonshine as lighted us.