Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/209

their account that I bring these flowers—very handsome ones.”

“That they are; they must have cost fifteen sous, at least.”

“In the month of December! If you said fifteen francs, you would have come nearer.”

“Heavens!” cried Colline, “three crowns for these simple gifts of Flora! You must be related to the Cordilleras. Well, my dear sir, that is fifteen francs which we must throw out of the window.”

It was Barbemuche’s turn to be astonished. Colline related the jealous suspicions with which Marcel had inspired his friends, and informed Carolus of the violent discussion which had taken place between them that morning on the subject of his admission.

“I protested,” said Colline, “that your intentions were the purest, but there was a strong opposition, nevertheless. Beware of renewing these suspicions by much politeness to the ladies; and to begin, let us put these bouquets out of the way.” He took the roses and hid them in a cupboard. “But that is not all,” he resumed; “before connecting themselves intimately with you, these gentlemen desire to make a private examination, each for himself, of your character, tastes, etc.”

Then, lest Barbemuche might do something to shock his friends, Colline rapidly sketched a moral portrait of each of them. “ Contrive to agree with them separately,” added the philosopher, “and they will end by all liking you.”

Carolus agreed to everything. The three friends soon arrived with their friends of the other sex. Rodolphe was polite to Carolus, Schaunard familiar with him, Marcel remained cold. Carolus forced himself to be gay and amiable with the men, and indifferent to the women. When they broke up for the night, he asked Rodolphe to dine with him