A BOHEMIAN "AT HOME" The night when he paid out of his own purse for the supper consumed at the cafe, Barbemuche managed to make Colline accompany him.

Since his first presence at the meetings of the four friends whom he had relieved from their embarrassing position, Carolus had especially remarked Gustave, and already felt an attractive sympathy for this Socrates whose Plato he was destined to become.

It was for this reason he had chosen him to be his introducer.

On the way, Barbemuche proposed that they should enter a cafe which was still open, and take something to drink.

Not only did Colline refuse, but he doubled his speed in passing the cafe, and carefully pulled down his hyperphysic hat over his face.
"But why won't you come in ?" politely asked the other.
"I have my reasons," replied Colline.