. . tra la la."
"Gentlemen!" shouted Christophe, "the soup is ready, and every one is
waiting for you."
"Here," Vautrin called down to him, "come and take a bottle of my
Bordeaux."
"Do you think your watch is pretty?" asked Goriot. "She has good
taste, hasn't she? Eh?"
Vautrin, Father Goriot, and Rastignac came downstairs in company, and,
all three of them being late, were obliged to sit together.
Eugene was as distant as possible in his manner to Vautrin during
dinner; but the other, so charming in Mme. Vauquer's opinion, had
never been so witty. His lively sallies and sparkling talk put the
whole table in good humor. His assurance and coolness filled Eugene
with consternation.
"Why, what has come to you to-day?" inquired Mme. Vauquer. "You are as
merry as a skylark."
"I am always in spirits after I have made a good bargain."
"Bargain?" said Eugene.
"Well, yes, bargain. I have just delivered a lot of goods, and I shall
be paid a handsome commission on them--Mlle. Michonneau," he went on,
seeing that the elderly spinster was scrutinizing him intently, "have
you any objection to some feature in my face, that you are making
those lynx eyes at me? Just let me know, and I will have it changed to
oblige you .
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