Chapter 23 - Only Young Once

Summary

A year after Mimi's death, Rodolphe and Marcel, who had remained close friends, shared a fine meal to mark their entry into the official world of culture. Marcel had finally found his way into the Salon. Two of his paintings were exhibited there and one was bought by a rich Englishman who’d been Musette's lover some time before. As a result of this sale and a government commission, Marcel had partly paid off the debts he’d accumulated. He had a comfortable apartment and a serious studio. Around the same time, Schaunard and Rodolphe became known to the public, which is the distributor of fame and fortune. One had begun to make his reputation with an album of songs that were being sung at all the concerts and the other had published a book that held the attention of the critics for a month. As for Barbemuche, he had renounced bohemia long before, and Gustave Colline had come into an inheritance and made a very good marriage. He hosted soirees with music and cakes.

One evening, when Rodolphe was sitting in his own chair, with his feet on his own carpet, Marcel came to see him in a state of great agitation.

“Do you know what just happened to me?” he said.

“No,” the poet replied. “But I do know I went to visit you, and I do know for sure you were there, and I do know you wouldn't open the door.”

“As a matter of fact, I did hear you. Take a guess who was with me.”

“How would I know?”

“Musette. She dropped in last night, dressed as though she’d come from a costume ball.”

“Musette! She caught up with you again?” Rodolphe asked in a tone of grave concern.

“It's nothing to worry about. We’re not going to resume our hostilities. Musette came to spend her last night in bohemia with me.”

“What?”

“She's getting married.”

“Bah!” Rodolphe exclaimed. “And tell me my Lord, who's she getting married against?”

“Against a postmaster. He was her last lover's tutor and he does seem a bit odd. Musette said to him: ‘My dear, before I give you my hand in marriage forever, I want one week of freedom. I have some business to take care of.