Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/107

“I am highly honored at having been chosen by you,” said the artist, with a low reverence to the delegate of the refiners. “How do you wish your portrait taken?”

“In miniature,” replied Blancheron, “like that;” and he pointed to a portrait in oil; for the delegate was one of that class with whom every thing smaller than the side of a house is miniature. Schaunard had the measure of his man immediately, especially when the other added that he wished to be painted with the best colors.

“I never use any other,” said the artist. “ How large do you wish it to be?”

“About so big,” answered the other, pointing to a kit-cat. “How much will it be?”

“Sixty francs with the hands, fifty without.”

“The deuce it will! My cousin talked of thirty francs.”

“It depends on the season. Colors are much dearer at some times of the year than at others.”

“Bless me! it’s just like sugar!”

“Precisely.”

“Fifty francs then be it.”

“You are wrong there; for ten francs more you will have your hands, and I will put in them your pamphlet on the sugar-question, which will have a very good effect.”

“By Jove, you are right!”

“Thunder and lightning!” gaid Schaunard to himself, “if he goes on so, I shall burst, and hurt him with one of the pieces.”

“Did you see?” whispered Marcel.

“What?”

“He has a black coat.”

“I take. Let me manage.”

“Well,” quoth the delegate, “when do we begin? There is no time to lose, for I sail soon.”

“I have to take a little trip myself the day after to-mor-