Nevertheless the recklessness to which Tavannes' action bore witness had its effect upon him.

By the time the young man's sword arrived something of his passion for the conflict had evaporated; and though the touch of the hilt restored his determination, the locked door, the confined space, and the unaccustomed light went a certain distance towards substituting despair for courage.
The use of the dagger in the duels of that day, however, rendered despair itself formidable.

And Tignonville, when he took his place, appeared anything but a mean antagonist.

He had removed his robe and cowl, and lithe and active as a cat he stood as it were on springs, throwing his weight now on this foot and now on that, and was continually in motion.
The table bearing the candles had been pushed against the window, the boarding of which had been replaced by Bigot before he left the room.
Tignonville had this, and consequently the lights, on his dagger hand; and he plumed himself on the advantage, considering his point the more difficult to follow.
Count Hannibal did not seem to notice this, however.

"Are you ready ?" he asked.