Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/181

the manager of the Théâtre Français came hat in hand to ask him for a drama for his theatre, and in which he, aware of the customary practice, asked for an advance. But at the very moment when the manager appeared to be willing to comply the sleeper was again half awakened by the entry of a fresh personage, another creature of the 15th.

It was Monsieur Benoît, landlord of the lodging-house in which Rodolphe was residing. Monsieur Benoît was at once the landlord, the bootmaker and the money-lender of his lodgers. On this morning he exhaled a frightful odor of bad brandy and over-due rent. He carried an empty bag in his hand.

“The deuce,” thought Rodolphe, “this is not the manager of the Théâtre Francais, he would have a white cravat and the bag would be full.”

“Good-morning, Monsieur Rodolphe,” said Monsieur Benoît, approaching the bed.

“Monsieur Benoît! Good-morning. What has given me the pleasure of this visit?”

“I have come to remind you that it is the 15th of April.”

“Already! How time flies, it is extraordinary, I must see about buying a pair of summer trousers. The 15th of April. Good heavens! I should never have thought of it but for you, Monsieur Benoît. What gratitude I owe you for this!”

“You also owe me a hundred and sixty-two francs,” replied Monsieur Benoît, “and it is time this little account was settled.”

“I am not in any absolute hurry—do not put yourself out, Monsieur Benoît. I will give you time.”

“But,” said the landlord, “you have already put me off several times.”

“In that case let us come to a settlement, Monsieur