Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/288

on their faces the same glow of satisfaction imparted by the realization of a long cherished wish.

Musette was, above all, dazzlingly beautiful.

“I have never felt so happy,” said she to Marcel. “It seems to me that God-has put into this hour all the happiness of my life, and I am afraid that there will be no more left me. Ah! bah! when there is no more left, there will still be some more. We have the receipt for making it,” she added, gaily kissing him.

As to Phémie, one thing vexed her.

“I am very fond of the green grass and the little birds,” said she; “but in the country one never meets anyone, and there will be no one to see my pretty bonnet and my nice dress. Suppose we went into the country on the Boulevards?”

At eight in the morning the whole street was in a commotion, due to the blasts from Schaunard’s horn giving the signal to start. All the neighbors were at their windows to see the Bohemians go by. Colline, who was of the party, brought up the rear, carrying the ladies’ parasols. An hour later the whole of the joyous band were scattered about the fields at Fontenay-aux-Roses.

When they returned home, very late at night, Colline, who during the day had discharged the duties of treasurer, stated that they had omitted to spend six francs, and placed this balance on the table.

“What shall we do with it?” asked Marcel.

“Suppose we invest it in Government bonds,” said Schaunard.