He wished he could put himself on guard at that very instant, and hear the signal for the attack.

He seemed to have the decisive thrust, the victory in his hand.
'Ready ?' asked Santa Margherita advancing to meet him.
'Quite ready.' The spot chosen for the encounter was a path at the side of the villa, in the shade, and covered with fine rolled gravel.

Rutolo was already stationed there, at the further end, with Roberto Casteldieri and Carlo di Souza.

Everybody wore a grave, not to say solemn, air.

The two adversaries were placed opposite to one another and their eyes met.
Santa Margherita, who had the direction of the combat, noticed that Rutolo's shirt was very stiffly starched and the collar too high.