In fact, he rose from the table, and confronted Zanoni in a manner that, to say the least of it, was provoking to any gentleman who has some quickness of temper, or some skill with the small-sword." "And," interrupted Belgioso, "the most singular part of the whole to me was, that this Zanoni, who stood opposite to where I sat, and whose face I distinctly saw, made no remark, showed no resentment.

He fixed his eyes steadfastly on the Sicilian; never shall I forget that look! it is impossible to describe it,--it froze the blood in my veins.

The Sicilian staggered back as if struck.

I saw him tremble; he sank on the bench.
And then--" "Yes, then," said Cetoxa, "to my infinite surprise, our gentleman, thus disarmed by a look from Zanoni, turned his whole anger upon me, THE--but perhaps you do not know, gentlemen, that I have some repute with my weapon ?" "The best swordsman in Italy," said Belgioso.
"Before I could guess why or wherefore," resumed Cetoxa, "I found myself in the garden behind the house, with Ughelli (that was the Sicilian's name) facing me, and five or six gentlemen, the witnesses of the duel about to take place, around.

Zanoni beckoned me aside.