After the usual set phrases as to the honour and good faith of the combatants, Santa Margherita gave the word in a ringing powerful voice.
'Gentlemen--on guard!' The duellists threw themselves on guard simultaneously; Rutolo, with a stamp of the foot, Sperelli, bending forward lightly.

Rutolo was of medium height, very slender, all nerves, with an olive face, to which the curled moustaches and the little pointed beard a la Charles I.in Van Dyck's pictures lent a certain piquant and dashing air.

Sperelli was taller, more dignified, admirable of attitude, calm and collected, perfectly balanced between grace and strength, his whole person proclaiming the _grand seigneur_.

They looked each other full in the eye, and each experienced a curious internal thrill at the sight of the bare flesh against which he pointed his sharp blade.

Through the silence came the fresh murmur of the fountain mingled with the rustle of the breeze among the climbing rose-bushes, where innumerable yellow and white roses nodded their fragrant heads.
'Play!' cried the Baron.
Andrea was prepared for an impetuous attack from Rutolo, but the latter did not move.