MIMI. I am Mimi.
GER. Mimi! Mimi, the smith? And may I ask... are you real, or is this a dream?
MIMI. Is not life a dream?
GER. Yes... but...
MIMI. It is a story. You have to pretend that it is true.
GER. I see!
MIMI. You pretend that it is true... and then you see what happens! It is very interesting!
GER. Yes... I have no doubt. [Peers at him.] And just to help me straighten things out... would you mind telling me... are you old or young?
MIMI. I am young.
GER. How young?