"How do you wish to have your portrait taken ?" "In miniature," replied Blancheron, "like that," and he pointed to a portrait in oil, for the delegate was one of that class with whom everything smaller than the side of a house is miniature.

Schaunard had the measure of his man immediately, especially when the other added that he wished to be painted with the best colours.
"I never use any other," said the artist.

"How large do you wish it to be ?" "About so big," answered the other, pointing to a kit-cat.

"How much will it be ?" "Sixty francs with the hands, fifty without." "The deuce it will! My cousin talked of thirty francs." "It depends on the season.

Colours are much dearer at some times of the year than at others." "Bless me! It's just like sugar!" "Precisely." "Fifty francs then be it." "You are wrong there; for ten francs more you will have your hands, and I will put in them your pamphlet on the sugar question, which will have a very good effect." "By Jove, you are right!" "Thunder and lightning!" said Schaunard to himself, "if he goes on so, I shall burst, and hurt him with one of the pieces." "Did you see ?" whispered Marcel.
"What ?" "He has a black coat." "I take.