MIMI. Yes, forgive me: now it's over.
(MUSETTA and MARCEL_ cautiously enter; MUSETTA carrying a muff, 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 muff. Helped by Musetta, she sits up in bed, and, with almost infantine glee, seizes the muff)
MIMI. So soft it is and feathery!
No more will my poor fingers be frozen,
For this muff 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 muff; 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!