"All the diplomatic body is in bed by this time." Barbemuche made up his mind to go in, though at the bottom of his heart he would have given a good deal for a false nose.

For greater security, he insisted on having a private room, and took care to fasten a napkin before the glass door of it.

These precautions taken, he appeared more at ease, and called for a bowl of punch.

Excited a little by the generous beverage, Barbemuche became more communicative, and, after giving some autobiographical details, made bold to express the hope he had conceived of being personally admitted a member of the Bohemian Club, for the accomplishment of which ambitious design he solicited the aid of Colline.
Colline replied that, for his part, he was entirely at the service of Barbemuche, but, nevertheless, he could make no positive promise.

"I assure you of my vote," said he.