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dared to address to the mistress of the house a piece of poetry suggestive of the most improper sentiments; by the irregularity of its style, this letter is recognized as a direct emanation from the pernicious influence of Monsieur Rodolphe and his literature.

“Consequently, in spite of the regret which he feels, the proprietor of the establishment finds himself obliged to request the Colline party to choose some other place for their revolutionary meetings.”

Gustave Colline, who was the Cicero of the set, took the floor and demonstrated to the landlord that his complaints were frivolous and unfounded; that they did him great honor in making his establishment a home of intellect; that their departure and that of their friends would be the ruin of his house, which their presence elevated to the rank of a literary and artistic club.

“But,” objected the other, “you, and those who come to see you, call for so little.”

“This temperance to which you object,” replied Colline, “is an argument in favor of our morals. Moreover, it depends on yourself whether we spend more or not. You have only to open an account with us.”

The landlord pretended not to hear this, and demanded some explanation of the incendiary letter addressed by Bergami to his wife. Rodolphe, accused of acting as secretary to the waiter, strenuously asserted his innocence—

“For,” said he, “ the lady’s virtue was a sure barrier—”

The landlord could not repress a smile of pride. Finally, Colline entangled him completely in the folds of his insidious oratory, and everything was arranged, on the conditions that the party should cease making their own coffee, that the establishment should receive “The Beaver” gratis, that Phémie should come in a bonnet, that the backgammon-board should be given up to the Bosquets every