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M. Saval questioned him as to all the men he was going to receive, adding: "It would be an extraordinary piece of good fortune for a stranger to meet at one time so many celebrities assembled in the studio of an artist of your rank." Romantin, vanquished, replied: "If it would be agreeable to you, come."

He had taken up a newspaper, and was reading it. M. Saval glanced sideways at him, burning with the desire to speak to him. Two young men entered, in red vests and with peaked beards, in the fashion of Henry III. They sat down opposite Romantin. The first of the pair said: "Is it for this evening?" Romantin pressed his hand. "I believe you, old chap, and everyone will be there.

Then Romantin plunged his hand into a cupboard, and drew forth twenty empty bottles, which he fixed in the form of a crown around the hoop. He then went downstairs to borrow a ladder from the janitress, after having explained that he had made interest with the old woman by painting the portrait of her cat, exhibited on the easel.

M. Saval had not even moved; he did not understand. The artist came over to him. "Since I have invited you, you will assist ma about something." The notary said emphatically: "Make any use of me you please. I am at your disposal." Romantin took off his jacket. "Well, citizen, to work! We are first going to clean up."

The painter replied: "I believe you, every three months, each quarter." M. Saval could not restrain himself any longer, and in a hesitating voice said: "I beg your pardon for intruding on you, monsieur, but I heard your name mentioned, and I would be very glad to know if you really are M. Romantin, whose work in the last Salon I have so much admired?"

You could see that they were almost bald; and they drank beer like men. M. Saval sat down at some distance from them and waited, for the hour for taking absinthe was at hand. A tall young man soon came in and took a seat beside him. The landlady called him M. "Romantin." The notary quivered. Was this the Romantin who had taken a medal at the last Salon? The young man made a sign to the waiter.

You did a nice thing in parking me off to the country. You'll soon see the way I'll settle your jollification. Yes, I'm going to receive your friends." She grew warmer. "I'm going to slap their faces with the bottles and the wax-candles " Romantin said in a soft tone: "Mathilde " But she did not pay any attention to him; she went on: "Wait a little, my fine fellow! wait a little!"

They stopped in front of a very long, low house, the first story having the appearance of an interminable conservatory. Six studios stood in a row with their fronts facing the boulevards. Romantin was the first to enter, and, ascending the stairs, he opened a door, and lighted a match and then a candle.

The painter replied: "I believe you, every three months, each quarter." M. Saval could not restrain himself any longer, and in a hesitating voice said: "I beg your pardon for intruding on you, monsieur, but I heard your name mentioned, and I would be very glad to know if you really are M. Romantin, whose work in the last Salon I have so much admired?"

The painter answered: "I am the very person, monsieur." The notary then paid the artist a very well-turned compliment, showing that he was a man of culture. The painter, gratified, thanked him politely in reply. Then they chattered. Romantin returned to the subject of his house-warming, going into details as to the magnificence of the forthcoming entertainment.