"Ah!" exclaimed Schaunard, "that's lucky."
"But," continued Marcel, "I am at home too."
"But, sir," broke in Rodolphe, "if our friend recognizes—"
"Yes," said Colline, "if our friend—"
"And if on your side you recall that—," added Rodolphe, "how is it that—"
"Yes," replied his echo Colline, "how is it that—"
"Have the kindness to sit down, gentlemen," replied Marcel, "and I will explain the mystery to you."
"If we were to liquify the explanation?" risked Colline.
"Over a mouthful of something," added Rodolphe.
The four young fellows sat down to table and attacked a piece of cold veal which the wine-shop keeper had let them have.