"By the way," said he, suddenly, "we can dine without breaking off.

There is a capital restaurant downstairs, which will send us up anything we like." And Schaunard awaited the effect of his trial of plurals.
"I accept your idea," said Blancheron, "an in return, I hope you will do me the honor of keeping me company at table." Schaunard bowed.

"Really," said he to himself, "this is a fine fellow--a very god-send.

Will you order the dinner ?" he asked his Amphitryon.
"You will oblige me by taking that trouble," replied the other, politely.
"So much the worse for you, my boy," said the painter as he pitched down the stairs, four steps at a time.

Marching up to the counter, he wrote out a bill of fare that made the Vatel of the establishment turn pale.
"Claret! Who's to pay for it ?" "Probably not I," said Schaunard, "but an uncle of mine that you will find up there, a very good judge.