In height he was the equal of the Marquis, but in weight he seemed to be scarce more than the half of his opponent's.

Yet a nervous strength dwelt unsuspected in those lean arms and steely wrists.
Mademoiselle stood by looking on, with parted lips and eyes that were intent and anxious.

She saw that figure, spare and lithe as a greyhound, leap suddenly upon her father, and the next instant the whip was in the secretary's hands, and he sprang back from the nobleman, who stood white and quivering with rage, and perhaps, too, with some dismay.
"That I do not break it across your back, M.le Marquis, said the young man," as he snapped the whip on his knee, "you may thank your years." With that he flung the two pieces wide into the sunlit waters of the brook.

"But I will have satisfaction, Monsieur.

I will take payment for this." And he pointed to the weal that disfigured his face.
"Satisfaction ?" roared the Marquis, hoarse in his passion.