_M.M. Rodolphe and Marcel request the honor of your company on Saturday next, Christmas Eve. Fun!_ _P.S. Life is short!_ _PROGRAM OF THE ENTERTAINMENT_ _PART I_ _7 o'clock--Opening of the saloons. Brisk and witty conversation._ _8.--Appearance of the talented authors of "The Mountain in Labor," comedy refused at the Odeon Theater._ _8:30.--M. Alexander Schaunard, the eminent virtuoso, will play his imitative symphony, "The Influence of Blue in Art," on the piano._ _9.--First reading of the essay on the "Abolition of the penalty of tragedy."_ _9:30.--Philosophical and metaphysical argument between M. Colline, hyperphysical philosopher, and M. Schaunard. To avoid any collision between the two antagonists, they will both be securely fastened._ _10.--M. Tristan, master of literature, will narrate his early loves, accompanied on the piano by M. Alexander Schaunard._ _10:30.--Second reading of the essay on the "Abolition of the penalty of tragedy."_ _11.--Narration of a cassowary hunt by a foreign prince._ _PART II_ _Midnight.--M. Marcel, historical painter, will execute with his eyes bandaged an impromptu sketch in chalk of the meeting of Voltaire and Napolean in the Elyssian Fields. M. Rodolphe will also improvise a parallel between the author of Zaire, and the victor of Austerlitz._ _12:30.--M. Gustave Colline, in a decent undress, will give an imitation of the athletic games of the 4th Olympiad._ _1.--Third reading of the essay on the "Abolition of the penalty of tragedy," and subscription on behalf of tragic authors who will one day find themselves out of employment._ _2.--Commencement of games and organization of quadrilles to last until morning._ _6.--Sunrise and final chorus._ _During the whole of entertainment ventilators will be in action._ _N.B. Anyone attempting to read or recite poetry will be summarily ejected and handed over to the police. The guests are equally requested not to help themselves to the candle ends._ Two days later, copies of this invitation were circulating among the lower depths of art and literature, and created a profound sensation. There were, however, amongst the invited guests, some who cast doubt upon the splendor of the promises made by the two friends. "I am very skeptical about it," said one of them. "I have sometimes gone to Rodolphe's Thursdays in the Rue de la Tour d'Auvergne, when one could only sit on anything morally, and where all one had to drink was a little filtered water in eclectic pottery." "This time," said another, "it is really serious. Marcel has shown me the program of the fete, and the effect will be magical." "Will there be any ladies?"