As he changed his clothes his every movement betrayed his preoccupation.
'Here is a man who before getting on horseback sees the grave open before him,' said the duke, laying his hand on the young man's shoulder with a serio-comic air--'_Ecce homo novus_.' Andrea Sperelli, who felt in the best of spirits at that moment, gave vent to one of those frank bursts of laughter which were the most engaging trait of his youth.
'What are you laughing at ?' demanded Rutolo, lividly pale, glaring at him from under frowning brows.
'It seems to me, my dear fellow,' returned Sperelli unmoved 'that you are a little out of temper----' 'And if I am ?' 'You are at liberty to think what you like about my laughing.' 'Then I think it is idiotic.' Sperelli bounded to his feet and made a stride forward with uplifted whip.

By a miracle, Paolo Caligaro managed to catch his arm.

Violent words followed.

Don Marc Antonio Spada appeared upon the scene and heard the altercation.
'That's enough, boys--you both know what you have to do to-morrow--you've got to ride now.' The two adversaries finished their dressing in silence and then went out.

The news of the quarrel had already spread through the enclosure and up to the grand stand, increasing the excitement of the race.