Preface and Chapter I Summary

The novel The Fencing Master tells the story of Don Jaime Astarloa, a Spanish fencing instructor, who is unwittingly involved in unsavory political dealings, including blackmail and murder. The story takes place in Madrid during the 1860s.

Preface

In Madrid in December 1866 a minister meets with a well-dressed man. The man gives the minister a sealed envelope containing a report.

Chapter I

Two men, a fencing instructor and a nobleman, practice fencing in the summer. The nobleman is Don Luis, the Marquis de los Alumbres. The instructor is Don Jaime Astarloa. Don Luis's philandering ways often make him the target of duels with jealous husbands.

Don Luis is tired and says he has had enough. He pours sherry for himself and Don Jaime. Don Jaime likes Don Luis, and he knows his student is one of the...