Chapter III Summary

In preparation for Dona Adela's arrival, Don Jaime grooms himself well. When Dona Adela arrives, Don Jaime shows her to a room where she can change into clothes suitable for fencing. Don Jaime notices that Dona Adela leaves the door partially open. As soon as Dona Adela adopts her fencing stance, Don Jaime is immediately impressed. He can already tell that she has had some quality instruction, and he sees that it has been in the Italian style. Dona Adela refuses to wear a protective mask for the first bout, and this troubles Don Jaime. He says it will be safer if she wears the protective equipment, but she declines.

During the first bout Don Jaime is impressed with Dona Adela's skill. He stops short of actually striking her when he has the opportunity, and this angers Dona Adela. She tells...