"But this is not all," he resumed.

"Before connecting themselves intimately with you, these gentlemen desire to make a private examination, each for himself, of your character, tastes, etc." Then, lest Barbemuche might do something to shock his friends, Colline rapidly sketched a moral portrait of each of them.

"Contrive to agree with them separately," added the philosopher, "and they will end by all liking you." Carolus agreed to everything.

The three friends soon arrived with their friends of the other sex.

Rodolphe was polite to Carolus, Schaunard familiar with him, while Marcel remained cold.