He would like to "wing him." He must punish him for his conduct to Marie; punish him for last night's insult.

It is a necessity, but a disagreeable one; he would be sorry to go to the war with that man's blood upon his hand.

He is sorry that he is out of practice.
"A year ago I could have counted on hitting him where I liked.

I trust I shall not blunder against his vitals now.

However, if I do, he has himself to blame!" The thought that Stangrave may kill him never crosses his mind.