Guard and hilt were of silver; the blade, although somewhat
corroded, still showed the fine wavy lines of Damascus steel and
traces of delicate engraving, while in the end of the hilt was set
a large oval turquoise.

"A very queer present to give a girl," said Rene; "what can you do
with them?"

A captivating flash of playfulness came into her face and she
sprang backward, giving the sword a semicircular turn with her
wrist. The blade sent forth a keen hiss as it cut the air close,
very close to Rene's nose. He jerked his head and flung up his
hand.

She laughed merrily, standing beautifully poised before him, the
rapier's point slightly elevated. Her short skirt left her feet
and ankles free to show their graceful proportions and the perfect
pose in which they held her supple body.

"You see what I can do with the colechemarde, eh, Monsieur Rene de
Ronville!" she exclaimed, giving him a smile which fairly blinded
him. "Notice how very near to your neck I can thrust and yet not
touch it. Now!"

She darted the keen point under his chin and drew it away so
quickly that the stroke was like a glint of sunlight.

"What do you think of that as a nice and accurate piece of skill?"

She again resumed her pose, the right foot advanced, the left arm