RUD. and MAR. (gaily) While they beat each other's brains out, Our fandango we will finish. (They dance round the combatants, whose blows fall faster. The door opens and Musetta enters in a state of great agitation.)
MAR. (amazed) Musetta! (All anxiously cluster round Musetta)
MUS. (hoarsely) 'Tis Mimi—'tis Mimi who is with me—And is ailing!
RUD. Mimi!
MUS. She has not strength to climb the staircase. (_Through the open door RUDOLPH spies MIMI, seated on the topmost stair; he rushes to her, followed by _MARCEL.)
SCH. (_to _COLLINE) Here's the bed: we'll put her on it. (they drag the bed forward)
RUD. (_supporting MIMI and leading her towards the bed, aided by _MARCEL) There! some water!
(MUSETTA brings a glass of water and makes MIMI sip it.)
MIMI. (passionately) Oh, Rudolph!
RUD. Gently, lie down there. (gently lowers her on the bed)