In this way he always kept up a certain credit which he called his floating debt, and as people knew that he was accustomed to repay as soon as his means permitted him, those who could accommodate him were very ready to do so.
But on the present occasion, from eleven in the morning, when he had started to try and collect the seventy-five francs requisite, up to six in the afternoon, he had only raised three francs, contributed by three letters (M., V., and R.) of his famous list.

All the rest of the alphabet, having, like himself, their quarter to pay, had adjourned his claim indefinitely.
The clock of his stomach sounded the dinner-hour.

He was then at the Maine barrier, where letter U lived.

Schaunard mounted to letter U's room, where he had a knife and fork, when there were such articles on the premises.
"Where are you going, sir ?" asked the porter, stopping him before he had completed his ascent.
"To Monsieur U," replied the artist.
"He's out." "And madame ?" "Out too.

They told me to say to a friend who was coming to see them this evening, that they were gone out to dine.