Part 38 (1/2)

Bought of M. B----, a lot of articles on Society, and the last three mistakes in spelling made by the Prefect of the Seine. 6 fr, plus a pair of Naples shoes.

Sold to Mdlle. O----, a flaxen head of hair. 120 fr.

Bought of M. M----, historical painter, a series of humorous designs. 25 fr.

Informed M. Ferdinand the time when Mme. la Baronne de T---- goes to ma.s.s, and let him for the day the little room in the Faubourg Montmartre: together 30 fr.

Bought of M. J----, artist, a portrait of M. Isidore as Apollo. 6 fr.

Sold to Mdlle R---- a pair of lobsters and six pair of gloves. 36 fr.

Received 3 fr.

For the same, procured a credit of six months with Mme. Z----, dressmaker. (Price not settled.)

Procured for Mme. Z----, dressmaker, the custom of Mdlle. R----.

Received for this three yards of velvet, and three yards of lace.

Bought of M. R----, literary man, a claim of 120 fr. against the----newspaper. 5 fr., plus 2 lbs. of tobacco.

Sold M. Ferdinand two love letters. 12 fr.

Sold M. Isidore his portrait as Apollo. 30 fr.

Bought of M. M----, a cwt. and a half of his work, ent.i.tled 'Submarine Revolutions.' 15 fr.

Lent Mme la Comtesse de G---- a service of Dresden china. 20 fr.

Bought of M. G----, journalist, fifty-two lines in his article of town talk. 100 fr., plus a set of chimney ornaments.

Sold to Messrs. O---- and Co., fifty-two lines in the town talk of the----. 300 fr., plus two sets of chimney ornaments.

Let to Mdlle. S. G---- a bed and a brougham for the day (nothing). See Mdlle. S. G----'s account in private ledger, folios 26 and 27.

Bought of M. Gustave C--- a treatise on the flax and linen trade. 50 fr., and a rare edition of Josephus.

Sold Mdlle. S. G---- a complete set of new furniture. 5000 fr.

For the same, paid an apothecary's bill. 75 fr.

For the same, paid a milkman's bill. 3 fr. 85 c.”

Those quotations show what an extensive range the operations of the Jew Medici covered. It may be added, that although some articles of his commerce were decidedly illicit, he had never got himself into any trouble.

The Jew comprehended, on his entrance, that he had come at a favorable time. In fact, the four friends were at that moment in council, under the auspices of a ferocious appet.i.te, discussing the grave question of meat and drink. It was a Sunday at the end of the month--sinister day.

The arrival of Medicis was therefore hailed by a joyous chorus, for they knew that he was too saving of his time to spend it in visits of polite ceremony; his presence announced business.

”Good evening, gentlemen!” said the Jew. ”How are you all?”

”Colline!” said Rodolphe, who was studying the horizontal line at full length on his bed. ”Do the hospitable. Give our guest a chair; a guest is sacred. I salute Abraham in you,” added he.