His face was perfectly calm, and of a natural colour.

Old Saracinesca crossed the ground, and met Casalverde, the opposite second, half-way.

Each formally expressed to the other his great regret that no arrangement would be possible, and then retired again to the right hand of his principal.
"Gentlemen," said the Prince, in a loud voice, "are you ready ?" As both men bowed their assent, he added immediately, in a sharp tone of command, "In guard!" Giovanni and Del Ferice each made a step forward, saluted each other with their foils, repeated the salute to the seconds and witnesses, and then came face to face and fell into position.

Each made one thrust in tierce at the other, in the usual fashion of compliment, each parrying in the same way.
"Halt!" cried Saracinesca and Casalverde, in the same breath.
"In guard!" shouted the Prince again, and the duel commenced.
In a moment the difference between the two men was apparent.

Del Ferice fenced in the Neapolitan style--his arm straight before him, never bending from the elbow, making all his play with his wrist, his back straight, and his knees so much bent that he seemed not more than half his height.