A great flood of light was rolling down the forest aisles, but it was so clear and pure that it did not dazzle.

I remember thinking in that moment how intolerable had become the singing of birds.
I deadened my heart to memories, took my courage in both hands, and forced myself to the ordeal.

For it is an ordeal to face powder if you have not a dreg of passion in you, and are resolved to make no return.
I am left-handed, and so, in fronting my opponent, I exposed my heart.
If Grey were the marksman I thought him, now was his chance for revenge.
My wits were calm now, and my senses very clear.

I heard a man say slowly that he would count three and then drop his kerchief, and at the dropping we should fire.

Our eyes were on him as he lifted his hand and slowly began,--"One--two--" Then I looked away, for the signal mattered nothing to me.