In both instances, he will lose his head--it behoves me to keep calm on both fields----' Then--'I wonder what Donna Ippolita feels about it ?' There seemed to be an unusual silence round about him.

With his eye he measured the distance that separated him from the first hurdle; he noticed a shining stone on the course; he observed that Rutolo was watching him, and a tremor ran through him from head to foot.
The bell gave the signal, but Brummel was off too soon and the start was no good.

The second time too they made a false start, and again through Brummel's fault.

Sperelli and the duke exchanged a furtive smile.
The third start was successful.

Brummel instantly detached himself from the group and swept along by the palings.