RUD. (on the landing near the open door holding up the candle) Go slowly!
COL. How plaguing dark 'tis!
SCH. May the porter be damned!
(The noise of someone falling is heard.)
COL. I have tumbled!
RUD. Colline, are you dead yet?
COL. (from the bottom of the staircase) Not this time!
MAR. Come quickly!
(RUDOLPH shuts the door, puts down the light, clears a space at the table for pens and paper, then sits down and commences to write, after putting out the other candle.)
RUD. I'm out of humor! (A timid knock is heard at the door.) Who's there?