It was the hour of breakfast, and for a wonder, breakfast had come with the hour.
The three couples were at table, feasting on artichokes and pepper sauce.
"The deuce!" exclaimed the philosopher.

"This can't last, or the world would come to an end.

I arrive," he continued, "as the ambassador of the generous mortal whom we met last night." "Can he be sending already to ask for his money again ?" said Marcel.
"It has nothing to do with that," replied Colline.

"This young man wishes to be one of us; to have stock in our society, and share the profits, of course." The three men raised their heads and looked at one another.
"That's all," concluded Colline.

"Now the question is open." "What is the social position of your principal ?" asked Rodolphe.
"He is no principal of mine," answered the other.