"_Sacre_! 'tis not a word to be lightly flung in the face of a French cavalier.

Did I not already owe you the debt of life, Monsieur, I might endeavor to teach you a lesson in etiquette." "I permit your overlooking all obligations, if you desire to indulge in such an experiment," I retorted, no wise unwilling.

"I am no brawling roisterer, but have never been above giving and receiving blows." I judged from the glint of his eyes, and the manner in which he juggled his sword hilt, he had grave purpose of backing up his pretty words.

I should rather have enjoyed giving the doughty gentleman a sudden bath alongside, had not Madame hastily calmed our hot blood with sober speech other own.
"Hush, Messieurs," she commanded quietly, her eyes upon my face, instantly shaming me.

"It is not meet you should quarrel.