Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/207

lently attacked in this meeting; although I have been accused of selling for base liquors the influence which I possess; secure in a good conscience I shall not deign to reply to those assaults on my probity, my loyalty, my morality. [Sensation.] But there is one thing which I will have respected. [Here the orator, endeavoring to lay his hand on his heart, gave himself a rap in the stomach.] My well-tried and well-known prudence has been called in question. I have been accused of wishing to introduce among you a person whose intentions were hostile to your happiness—in matters of sentiment. This supposition is an insult to the virtue of these ladies—nay more, an insult to their good taste. Carolus Barbemuche is decidedly ugly.” [Visible denial on the face of Phémie; noise under the table; it is Schaunard kicking her by way of correcting her compromising frankness.]

“But,” proceeded Colline, “what will reduce to powder the contemptible argument with which my opponent has armed himself against Carolus by taking advantage of your terrors, is the fact that the said Carolus is a Platonist. [Sensation among the men; uproar among the women.]

This declaration of Colline’s produced a reaction in favor of Carolus. The philosopher wished to improve the effect of his eloquent and adroit defence.

“Now, then,” he continued, “I do not see what well-founded prejudices can exist against this young man, who, after all, has rendered us a service. As to myself, who am accused of acting thoughtlessly in wishing to introduce him among us, I consider this opinion an insult to my dignity. I have acted in the affair with the wisdom of the serpent; if a formal vote does not maintain me this character for prudence, I offer my resignation.”

“Do you make it a cabinet question?” said Marcel.

“I do.”