"'Telemachus'—there are lots of him on the quay," said Colline. "You can find him there at any time. I have bought him for five sous—a second-hand copy—I would consent to part with it to oblige you. In other respects, it is a great work; very well got up, considering the age."
"Yes, sir," said Carolus. "I aspire to high philosophy and sound literature. According to my idea, art is a priesthood—."
"Yes, yes," said Colline. "There's a song about that too," and he began to hum....
"Art's a priesthood, art's a priesthood,"
to the air of the drinking song in "Robert the Devil."
"I say, then, that art being a solemn mission, writers ought, above all things—"
"Excuse me," said Colline, who heard one of the small hours striking, "but it's getting to be tomorrow morning very fast."
"It is late, in fact," said Carolus. "Let us go."
"Do you live far off?"
"Rue Royale St. Honore, No. 10."