Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/266
“Sold to Messrs. O——— and Co. fifty-two lines in the town talk of the ———. 300 fr., plus two sets of chimney ornaments.
“Let to Mdlle. S. G——— a bed and a brougham for the day (nothing). See S. G———’s account in private ledger, folios 26 and 27.
“Bought of M. Gustave C——— a treatise on the flax and linen trade. 50 fr., and a rare edition of Josephus.
“Sold Mdlle. S. G——— a complete set of new furniture. 5000 fr.
“For the same, paid an apothecary’s bill. 75 fr.
“ do. a milkman’s do. 3 fr. 85 c.”
These quotations show what an extensive range the operations of the Jew Medicis covered. It may be added, that although some articles of his commerce were decidedly illicit, he had never got himself into any trouble.
The Jew comprehended, on his entrance, that he had come at a favorable time. In fact, the four friends were at that moment in council, under the auspices of a ferocious appetite, discussing the grave question of meat and drink. It was a Sunday at the end of the month—sinister day.
The arrival of Medicis was therefore hailed by a joyous chorus, for they knew that he was too saving of his time to spend it in visits of polite ceremony; his presence announced business.
“Good-evening, gentlemen!” said the Jew. “How are you all?”
“Colline!” said Rodolphe, who was studying the horizontal line at full length on his bed, “do the hospitable. Give our guest a chair: a guest is sacred. I salute Abraham in you,” added he.
Colline took an arm-chair about as soft as iron, and shoved it towards the Jew, saying: