Chapter I, p. 10
Don Jaime shook his head, ironic and indulgent. "Fencing is like holy communion," he said with a smile. "You must come to it in a fit state of body and soul. If you break that supreme law, then punishment is bound to follow."

Chapter I, p. 23
Despite their frequent disputes, their political differences, their disparate moods, the five felt a complex solidarity that, had it ever been expressed openly, would have been hotly denied by all of them but that might be likened to the huddling together for warmth of solitary creatures.

Chapter III, p. 76
Don Jaime stiffened proudly. Perhaps, as the young woman had just said, it had not been her intention to offend him, but nevertheless she had. "Ours is a dying art, madam," he replied. "Duels with foils are now rare events, given that the pistol is so much easier to handle...