MIMI. And to find it you went groping in the darkness.

RUD. Yes, searching, searching.

MIMI. And you, my young master,
Now I can tell you frankly,
That you soon managed to find it.

RUD. It was Fate that did help me.

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! God! Mimi!

(_At this moment Schaunard returns, and hearing Rudolph's exclamation, hastens to the bedside._)

SCH. What now?

MIMI. (_opens her eyes and smilingly reassures Rudolph and _Schaunard) Nothing; I'm better.

RUD. (gently lowering her) Gently, for goodness' sake!