Part 21 (1/2)

MIMI. It was dark, and my blushes were unnoticed. (_faintly repeating _Rudolph's_ words_) ”Your tiny hand is frozen, Let me warm it into life!”

It was dark, and my hand then you clasped-- (_a sudden spasm half suffocates her; she sinks back fainting_)

RUD. (_raising her in alarm_) Oh! G.o.d! Mimi!

(_At this moment _Schaunard_ returns, and hearing _Rudolph's_ exclamation, hastens to the bedside._)

SCH. What now?

MIMI. (_opens her eyes and smilingly rea.s.sures _Rudolph_ and _Schaunard) Nothing; I'm better.

RUD. (_gently lowering her_) Gently, for goodness' sake!

MIMI. Yes, forgive me: now it's over.

(MUSETTA _and_ MARCEL_ cautiously enter; _MUSETTA_ carrying a m.u.f.f, and her companion a phial._)

MUS. (_to RUDOLPH_) Sleeping?

RUD. (_approaching MARCEL_) Just resting.

MAR. I have seen the doctor.

He'll come--I bade him hasten.

Here's the tonic.

(_Takes a spirit lamp, and placing it upon the table, lights it._)

MIMI. Who is it?

MUS. I--Musetta. (_Approaches Mimi and gives her the m.u.f.f. Helped by Musetta, she sits up in bed, and, with almost infantine glee, seizes the m.u.f.f_)

MIMI. So soft it is and feathery!

No more will my poor fingers be frozen, For this m.u.f.f shall keep them warm. (_to _Rudolph) Did you give me this present?

MUS. (_eagerly_) Yes!

MIMI. You thoughtless fellow! Thank you.

It cost you dear. (Rudolph _bursts into tears_) Weep not: I'm better.

Why should you weep for me?

Here love . . . ever with you! . . .

(_thrusts her hands into the m.u.f.f; then she gradually grows drowsy, gracefully nodding her head, as one who is overcome by sleep_) My hands are much warmer: now I will sleep!