But this triumphant happiness was destined to have no long duration.

Eleven o'clock resounded from the neighbouring steeple.

Every stroke diffused itself through the room in mocking sounds which seemed to say to the unlucky Schaunard, "Are you ready ?" The artist bounded on his chair.

"The time flies like a bird!" he exclaimed.

"I have but three-quarters of an hour left to find my seventy-five francs and my new lodging.