My friend there, Monsieur Colline, was saying some touching things about you.

As you are present, he will begin over again, out of compliment to you.

Do begin again, Colline." "Excuse me, gentlemen," said the landlord, "I don't wish to trouble you, but---" and he unfolded the paper which he had in his hand.
"What's the document ?" asked Marcel.
The landlord, who had cast an inquisitive glance around the room, perceived some gold on the chimney piece.
"It is your receipt," he said hastily, "which I had the honor of sending you once already." "My faithful memory recalls the circumstance," replied the artist.

"It was on Friday, the eighth of the month, at a quarter past twelve." "It is signed, you see, in due form," said the landlord, "and if it is agreeable to you--" "I was intending to call upon you," interrupted Marcel.

"I have a great deal to talk to you about." "At your service." "Oblige me by taking something," continued the painter, forcing a glass of wine on the landlord.