It was conceit, not madness.

His head is turned; a fencing master once praised his skill at fence, and he thinks himself a match for me--me! the best swordsman, though I say it, in the German army.

No, I would not have forced a quarrel on him, for he is beneath my notice; but I am right glad that he has taken up the glove I meant to throw down to his fellow.

In killing him I shall not only have punished the only person who has for many years ventured to insult Otto Muller, but I shall have done a service to a friend." No sooner had Rupert regained his seat than Dillon exclaimed, "Rupert, I shall never forgive myself.

Others think you are mad, but I know that you sacrifice yourself to save me.
"You did me an ill service, my lord," he said, turning to Lord Fairholm, "by holding me back when I would have taken my proper place.