RUD. Ah! Mimi! my pretty Mimi!
MIMI. (letting her arms drop) You still think I'm pretty!
RUD. Fair as the dawn in Spring!
MIMI. No, the simile fits not; you meant to say:
Fair as the flame of sunset.
"They call me Mimi; (like an echo)
They call me Mimi, but I know not why."
RUD. (in tender, caressing tones)
Back to her nest comes the swallow in Spring-tide. (He takes out the bonnet and gives it to Mimi.)
MIMI. (gaily) Why, that's my bonnet! (motions RUDOLPH to put the
bonnet on her head)
Why, that's my bonnet!
(makes RUDOLPH sit next to her, and rests her head on his breast)
Ah! do you remember how we both went shopping
When first we fell in love?
RUD. Yes, I remember.
MIMI. This room was all in darkness!
RUD. While you, you were so frightened!
Then the key you mislaid, love.