Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/205

“Once more,” said Rodolphe; “what is his condition in the world? what does he live on, and where does he live? and what is his name?”

“His station is honorable; he is professor of everything in a rich family. His name is Carolus Barbemuche; he spends his income in luxurious living, and dwells in the Rue Royale.”

“Furnished lodging?”

“No; there is real furniture.”^[1]

“I claim the floor,” said Marcel. “To me it is evident that Colline has been corrupted; he has already sold his vote for so many drinks. Don’t interrupt me! (Colline was rising to protest) you shall have your turn. Colline, mercenary soul that he is, has presented to you this stranger under an aspect too favorable to be true. I told you before; I see through this person’s designs. He wants to speculate on us. He says to himself, “Here are some chaps making their way; I must get into their pockets; I shall arrive with them at the goal of fame.”

“Bravo!” quoth Schaunard; “have you any more sauce there?”

“No,” replied Rodolphe; “the edition is out of print.”

“Looking at the question from another point of view,” continued Marcel, “this insidious mortal whom Colline patronizes, perhaps aspires to our intimacy only from the most culpable motives. Gentlemen, we are not alone here!” continued the orator, with an eloquent look at the women; “and Colline’s client, smuggling himself into our circle under the cloak of literature, may perchance be but a vile seducer. Reflect! For one, I vote against his reception.”

“I demand the floor,” said Rodolphe, “only for a correction. In his remarkable extemporary speech, Marcel