The challenge and duel should be precisely datable by the statement that Vendramin's challenge took place on Saint Theodore's Eve and that the next day was the feast of Saint Theodore [Chapter XVI].  This fact is reaffirmed by Count Pizzamano in Chapter XXXIV ("On Saint Theodore's Day you came to me here…").

But this is extremely problematic, as the feast day of Theodore of Amasea, patron saint of Venice, is on November 9.  And we cannot place the challenge and duel that late, because of the many references to surrounding events in September and October.

This matter admits of no explanation.  I have decided to assume that in 1796, due perhaps to mass hysteria induced by fear of Bonaparte, the Venetians celebrated the feast of their patron saint a month early.

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