Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/194

around him. As to his other qualities, he seemed quiet and well-off, for he possessed a watch with a gold chain; and one day, Marcel, meeting him at the bar, caught him in the act of changing a louis to pay his score. From that moment, the four friends designated him by the name of “The Capitalist.”

Suddenly Schaunard, who had very good eyes, remarked that the glasses were empty.

“Yes,” exclaimed Rodolphe, “and this is Christmas-eve! We are good Christians, and ought to have something extra.”

“Yes, indeed,” added Marcel, “let’s call for something supernatural.”

“Colline,” continued Rodolphe, “ring a little for the waiter.”

Colline rang like one possessed.

“What shall we have?” said Marcel.

Colline made a low bow, and pointed to the women.

“It is the business of these ladies to regulate the nature and order of our refreshment.”

“I,” said Musette, smacking her lips, “should not be afraid of Champagne.”

“Are you crazy?” exclaimed Marcel; “Champagne! that isn’t wine to begin with.”

“So much the worse; I like it; it makes a noise.”

“I,” said Mimi, with a coaxing look at Rodolphe, “would like some Beaune, in a little basket.”

“Have you lost your senses?” said Rodolphe.

“No, but I want to lose them,” replied Mimi. The poet was thunderstruck.

“I,” said Phémie, dancing herself on the elastic sofa, “would rather have parfait amour; it’s good for the stomach.”