Page:The Bohemians of the Latin Quarter.djvu/318

“How pretty these medals are!” said Rodolphe; “one would take them for fragments of sunshine. If I were a king I would have no other small change, and would have them stamped with my mistress’s portrait.”

“To think that there is a country where they are mere pebbles,” said Schaunard. “The Americans used to give four of them for two sous. I had an ancestor who went to America; he was interred by the savages in their stomachs. It was a misfortune for the family.”

“Ah! but where does this animal come from?” enquired Marcel, looking at the lobster which had began to crawl about the room.

“I remember,” said Schaunard, “that yesterday I took a turn in Medicis’ kitchen, I suppose the reptile accidentally fell into my pocket, these creatures are very short-sighted. Since I have got it,” added he, “I should like to keep it; I will tame it and paint it red, it will look livelier. I am sad since Phémie’s departure; it will be a companion to me.”

“Gentlemen,” exclaimed Colline, “notice, I beg of you, that the weathercock has gone round to the south, we shall breakfast.”

“I should think so,” said Marcel, taking up a goldpiece, “here is something we will cook with plenty of sauce.”

They proceeded to a long and serious discussion on the bill of fare. Each dish was the subject of an argument and a vote. Omelette soufflée, proposed by Schaunard, was anxiously rejected, as were white wines, against which Marcel delivered an oration that brought out his œnophilistic knowledge.

“The first duty of wine is to be red,” exclaimed he, “don’t talk to me about your white wines.”

“But,” said Schaunard, “Champagne———”