You know very well I have never had a frock coat." "Well, then, it can be settled in another way.

If needs be, you need not come to my party, and can lend me your swallow-tail." "That would be unpleasant.

I am on the program, and must not be lacking." "There are plenty of other things that will be lacking," said Rodolphe.
"Lend me your black swallow-tail, and if you will come, come as you like; in your shirt sleeves, you will pass for a faithful servant." "Oh no!" said Colline, blushing.

"I will wear my great coat.

But all the same, it is very unpleasant." And as he saw Rodolphe had already seized on the famous black swallow-tail, he called out to him, "Stop a bit.
There are some odds and ends in the pockets." Colline's swallow-tail deserves a word or two.