Original (English)

CHAPTER I. One evening in May, 1888, the Café des Écoles was even more crowded and more noisy than usual. The marble-topped tables were wet with beer and the din was appalling. Someone shouted to make himself heard. “Any more news from the Salon?” “Yes,” said Elliott, “Thaxton’s in with a number three. Rhodes is out and takes it hard. Clifford’s out too, and takes it—” A voice began to chant: Je n’sais comment faire,     Comment concillier Ma maitresse et mon père,