CHAPTER V.
THE CARLOVINGIAN COIN Towards the end of December the messengers of Bidault's agency were entrusted with the distribution of about a hundred copies of a letter of invitation, of which we certify that the following to be a true and genuine copy:-- -- --- _M.M.Rodolphe and Marcel request the honor of your company on Saturday next, Christmas Eve.

Fun!_ _P.S.Life is short!_ _PROGRAM OF THE ENTERTAINMENT_ _PART I_ _7 o'clock--Opening of the saloons.

Brisk and witty conversation._ _8 .-- Appearance of the talented authors of "The Mountain in Labor," comedy refused at the Odeon Theater._ _8:30 .-- M.

Alexander Schaunard, the eminent virtuoso, will play his imitative symphony, "The Influence of Blue in Art," on the piano._ _9 .-- First reading of the essay on the "Abolition of the penalty of tragedy."_ _9:30 .-- Philosophical and metaphysical argument between M.Colline, hyperphysical philosopher, and M.Schaunard.To avoid any collision between the two antagonists, they will both be securely fastened._ _10 .-- M.

Tristan, master of literature, will narrate his early loves, accompanied on the piano by M.Alexander Schaunard._ _10:30 .-- Second reading of the essay on the "Abolition of the penalty of tragedy."_ _11 .-- Narration of a cassowary hunt by a foreign prince._ _PART II_ _Midnight .-- M.