Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/217

In the twinkling of an eye each had selected a complete equipment.

“Till this evening,” said they, taking leave of Barbemuche; “the ladies intend to be most dazzling.”

“But,” said Barbemuche, casting a glance at the emptied wardrobe, “you have left me nothing. What am I to wear?”

“Ah, it’s different with you,” said Rodolphe; “you are the master of the house; you need not stand upon etiquette.”

“But I have only my dressing-gown and slippers, flannel waistcoat and trousers with stocking-feet. You have taken everything.”

“ Never mind; we excuse you beforehand,” replied the four.

A very good dinner was served at six. The company arrived, Marcel limping and out of humor. The young viscount rushed up to the ladies and led them to the best seats. Mimi was dressed with fanciful elegance; Musette got up with seductive taste; Phémie looked like a stained-glass window, and hardly dared sit down.

The dinner lasted two hours and a half, and was delightfully lively. The young viscount, who sat next to Mimi, kept treading on her foot. Phémie took twice of every dish. Schaunard was in clover. Rodolphe improvised sonnets and broke glasses in marking the rhythm. Colline talked to Marcel, who remained sulky.

“What is the matter with you?” asked the philosopher.

“My feet are in torture; this Carolus has boots like a woman’s.”

“He must be given to understand that, for the future, some of his shoes are to be made a little larger; be easy, I will see to it.—But now to the drawing-room, where the coffee and liquors await us.”

The revelry recommenced with increased noise. Schau-