He knew the stuff of Englishmen: they only required an example.
'French officers are skilful swordsmen,' said Mrs.Culling.

'My husband has told me they will spend hours of the day thrusting and parrying.
They are used to duelling.' 'We,' Nevil answered, 'don't get apprenticed to the shambles to learn our duty on the field.

Duelling is, I know, sickening folly.

We go too far in pretending to despise every insult pitched at us.

A man may do for his country what he wouldn't do for himself.' Mrs.Culling gravely said she hoped that bloodshed would be avoided, and Mr.Beauchamp nodded.
She left him hard at work.
He was a popular boy, a favourite of women, and therefore full of engagements to Balls and dinners.