Chapter 12

IN THE ATTIC

(_As in Act I_)

(MARCEL,_as before, stands in front of his easel, while _RUDOLPH_ sits at his writing table; each trying to make the other believe that he is working indefatigably, whereas they are really only gossiping.)_

MAR. (_resuming his talk_) In a coupé?

RUD. Yes, in carriage and pair did she merrily hail me. "Well, Musetta," I questioned: "How's your heart?" "It beats not--or I don't feel it--Thanks to this velvet I'm wearing!"

MAR. (_endeavoring to laugh_) I'm glad, very glad!

RUD. (_aside_) You humbug, you! You're fretting and fuming!

MAR. It beats not! Bravo! (_commences to paint with great vigor_) Then I saw, too--

RUD. Musetta?

MAR. Mimi.

RUD. You saw her? How strange! (stops painting)

MAR. Rode in her carriage in grand apparel. Just like a duchess.

RUD. Delightful! I'm glad to hear it.

MAR. (_aside_) You liar! you're pining with love.

RUD. and MAR. Now to work! (_they go on working_)

RUD. (_throwing down his pen_) This pen's too awful! (_remains seated, apparently lost in thought_)

MAR. (_flinging away his brush_) This infamous paint-brush! (_Stares at his canvas, and then without RUDOLPH observing it, he takes from his pocket a bunch of ribbons and kisses it._)

RUD. Ah! Mimi! false, fickle-hearted! Ah! beauteous days departed! Those hands so dainty! Oh! fragrant, shining tresses! Ah! snow-white bosom! Ah! Mimi! those brief, glad, golden days!

MAR. (_putting away his ribbons and staring anew at his canvas_) How is it that my brush With speed mechanical keeps moving, And plasters on the colors Quite against my will? And though I would be painting landscapes, Meadows, woodlands fair in Spring-tide, My brush refuses to perform its office; But paints dark eyes, and two red, smiling lips; The features of Musetta haunt me still!

RUD. (_taking_ Mimi's _old bonnet from the table drawer_) And thou, O! rose-pink bonnet, That 'neath her pillow lay, That in her hour of parting she forgot--Thou wert the witness of our joy! Come to my heart, ah! come! Lie close against my heart, since my love is dead! (_clasps the bonnet to his heart_)

MAR. Ah! frivolous Musetta! thee can I ne'er forget! My grief affords her pleasure, And yet my weak heart is fain To call her to my fond arms again.

RUD. (_endeavoring to conceal his emotion from_ Marcel, _carelessly questions him_) What time is it now?

MAR. (_roused from his reverie, gaily replies_) Time for our yesterday's dinner.

RUD. But Schaunard's not back yet. (_Enter Schaunard_ _and_ Colline; _the former carries four rolls, and the latter a paper bag._)

SCH. Here we are!

RUD. How now?

MAR. How now?

(SCHAUNARD _places the rolls on the table._)

MAR. (_disdainfully_) Some bread!

COL. (_taking a herring out of the bag, and putting it on the table_) A dish that's worthy of Demosthenes: 'Tis a herring!

SCH. 'Tis salted!

COL. 'Our dinner is ready! (_Seating themselves at the table, they pretend to be having a sumptuous meal._)

MAR. This is a food that the gods might envy.

SCH. (_placing Colline's hat on the table, and thrusting a bottle of water into it_) Now the champagne in the ice must go.

RUD. (_to_ MARCEL, _offering him some bread_) Choose, my lord marquis--salmon or turbot? (_His offer is accepted, when, turning to _SCHAUNARD, _he proffers another crust of bread._) Now, duke, here's a choice vol-au-vent with mushrooms. (_He politely declines, and pours out a glass of water, which he hands to_ Marcel.)

SCH. Thank you, I dare not, this evening I'm dancing! (_The one and only tumbler is handed about._ Colline, _after voraciously devouring his roll, rises._)

RUD. (_to_ Colline) What? sated?

COL. (_with an air of great importance_) To business! The king awaits me.

MAR. (_eagerly_) What plot is brewing?

RUD. What's in the wind?

SCH. (_rises and approaches_ Colline, _observing with droll inquisitiveness_) What's in the wind?

MAR. What's in the wind?

(COLLINE _struts up and down, full of self-importance._)

COL. The king requires my services.

(_The others surround_ COLLINE, _bowing low to him._)

SCH. Bravo!

MAR. Bravo!

RUD. Bravo!

COL. (_with a patronizing air_) And then I've got to see Guizot!

SCH. Give me a goblet.

MAR. (_giving him the only glass_) Aye, quaff now a bumper!

SCH. (_solemnly gets on to a chair and raises his glass_) Have I permission, oh! my most noble courtier?

RUD. and COL. (_interrupting_) Stop that.

COL. No more fooling.

MAR. Stop that. No more nonsense.

COL. Give me that tumbler. (_taking the glass from_ SCHAUNARD)

SCH. (_motioning his friends to let him speak_) With ardor irresistible Poetry fills my spirit.

COL. and MAR. (_yelling_) No.

SCH. (_complacently_) Then something choreographic may suit you!

RUD., MAR. and COL. Yes, yes! (_Amid applause they surround_ Schaunard _and make him get off the chair._)

SCH. Some dancing, accompanied by singing?

COL. Well, clear the stage for action. (_Moving chairs and tables aside, they prepare for a dance; they suggest various dances._)

COL. Gavotte.

MAR. Minuet.

RUD. Pavanella.

SCH. (_imitating a Spanish measure_) Fandango.

COL. I vote we dance quadrilles first. (_the others approve_)

RUD. Now take your partners.

COL. I'll lead it. (_pretends to be very busy arranging a quadrille_)

SCH. (_improvising, beats time with comic pomposity of manner_) La-lera, la-lera, la-lera!

RUD. (_approaching_ MARCEL_, and bowing very low, offers him his hand as he gallantly says_) Oh! maiden fair and gentle!

MAR. (_with coy bashfulness of manner, counterfeiting a woman's voice_) My modesty respect, sir, I beg you.

SCH. Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera, la!

COL. (_giving directions as to the figures, while_ RUDOLPH _and_ MARCEL _dance the quadrille_) Balancez!

MAR. (_in his ordinary voice_) Lal-lera, lal-lera, lal-lera!

SCH. (_teasingly_) First there's the Rond.

COL. No, stupid!

SCH. (_with exaggerated contempt_) You've manners like a clown!

COL. (_offended_) As I take it, you're insulting! Draw your sword, sir!

(_rushes to the fireplace and seizes the tongs_)

SCH. (_taking up the poker_) Ready! Have at you! (_preparing to receive his adversary's attack_) Thy hot blood would I drink!

COL. (_doing likewise_) One of us shall now be gutted! (Rudolph _and_ Marcel _stop dancing and burst out laughing._)

SCH. Now get a stretcher ready.

COL. And get a grave-yard, too.

(SCHAUNARD _and_ COLLINE _fight._)

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_)

MIMI. (_embracing RUDOLPH_) My darling Rudolph! Ah! let me stay with you!

RUD. Darling Mimi! stay here ever! (_He induces _Mimi_ to lie down at full length on the bed, and draws the coverlet over her; he then carefully adjusts the pillow be neath her head._)

MUS. (_taking the others aside and whispering to them_) I heard them saying that Mimi Had left the rich old viscount; And now was almost dying. Ah! but where? After searching, I met her alone just now, Almost dead with exhaustion. She murmured: "I'm dying! dying! But listen; I want to die near him. Maybe he's waiting! Take me thither, Musetta!"

MAR. Hush! (_MUSETTA moves farther away from MIMI._)

MIMI. I feel so much better. All here seems just the same as ever. (_with a sweet smile_) Ah! It is all so pleasant here! Saved from sadness, All is gladness; Once again new life is mine!

RUD. Lips delightful, speak again to me! Once more enchant me!

MIMI. Ah! beloved! Ah! leave me not!

MUS. (_aside to the others_) What is there to give her?

MAR. _and_ COL. Nothing!

MUS. No coffee? no wine?

MAR. (_in great dejection_) Nothing; the larder's empty.

SCH. (_looking closely at Mimi_) In an hour she'll be dead!

MIMI. I feel so cold! If I had but my muff here! My poor hands are simply frozen! How shall I get them warm? (_Mimi coughs; Rudolph takes her hands in his and chafes them._)

RUD. In mine, in mine, love! Silence! for speaking tires you.

MIMI. Tis coughing tires me. I'm used to that, though. (_seeing RUDOLPH'S friends, she calls them by name, when they hasten to her side_) Good-morrow, Marcel! Schaunard, Colline, good-morrow! All are here, as I see, glad to welcome Mimi.

RUD. Hush! Mimi, do not talk.

MIMI. I'll speak low; don't be frightened.

(_SCHAUNARD and COLLINE mournfully withdraw; the former sits at the table, burying his face in his hands, the latter is a prey to sad thoughts._)

MIMI. (_motioning Marcel to approach_) Marcel, now believe me, A good girl is Musetta.

MAR. (_giving Musetta his hand_) I know, I know.

MUS. (_drawing Marcel away from Mimi, takes off her earrings and gives them to him as she whispers_) Look here! sell them, And buy some tonic for her-- Send for a doctor! (_Mimi gradually grows drowsy; Rudolph takes a chair and sits down beside the bed._)

RUD. Keep quiet.

MIMI. You will not leave me?

RUD. No, no! (_MARCEL is about to go, when Musetta stops him and takes him still further from Mimi._)

MUS. Stay, listen! Maybe, what she has asked us Will be her last request on earth, little darling! I'll go for the muff--I'll come with you.

MAR. How good you are, Musetta!

(_MUSETTA and MARCEL hastily go out._)

COL. (_who has removed his overcoat while Marcel and Musetta were talking_) Garment antique and rusty! A last good-bye! farewell! Faded friend, so tried and trusty, We must part, you and I. For never yet your back did you bow To rich man or mighty! How oft, Safe in your pockets spacious, Have you concealed philosophers and poets! Now that our pleasant friendship is o'er, I would bid thee once more, Oh! companion tried and trusty, Farewell! farewell! (_He folds up the coat, puts it under his arm, and is about to go, but seeing Schaunard, he approaches him, pats him on the back, and mournfully exclaims_) Schaunard, our methods possibly may differ, But yet two kindly acts we'll do: (_pointing to the coat_) Mine's this one, and yours--leave them alone in there.

SCH. (_overcome by emotion_) Philosopher, you're right! 'Tis true; I'll go! (_He looks about him: then, to justify his exit, he takes up the water bottle and goes out after Colline, gently closing the door. Mimi opens her eyes, and seeing that all have gone, holds out her hand to Rudolph, who affectionately kisses it._)

MIMI. Have they left us? (_Rudolph nods_) To sleep I only feigned, For I wanted to be alone with you, love. So many things there are that I would tell you. There is one, too, as spacious as the ocean, As the ocean, profound, without limit: You are my love, my all, and all my life! (_putting her arms round Rudolph's neck_)

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.

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!

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!

(RUDOLPH,_ reassured at seeing _MIMI_ fall asleep, gently moves away from the bedside, and motioning the others not to make any noise, approaches _MARCEL.)

RUD. What said the doctor?

MAR. He'll come.

MUS. (_who is busily heating the medicine, brought by _MARCEL_, over the spirit-lamp, as she unconsciously murmurs a prayer_) Oh! Mary! Blessed Virgin! Save, of thy mercy, this poor maiden! Save her, Madonna mine, from death! (Rudolph, Marcel _and_ Schaunard_ whisper together. Every now and then _Rudolph_ goes on tiptoe to the bed, and then rejoins his companions. _Musetta_, interrupting, bids _Marcel_ place a book upright on the table, so as to shade the lamp._) Here there should be a shade, Because the lamp is flickering! Like this. (_resuming her prayer_) And, oh! may she recover! Madonna! holy mother! I merit not thy pardon, But our little Mimi is an angel from Heaven! (Rudolph _approaches _Musetta_, while _Schaunard_ goes on tiptoe to the bedside; with a sorrowful gesture he goes back to _Marcel.)

RUD. I still have hope. Do you think it serious?

MUS. Not serious.

SCH. (_hoarsely_) Marcel, she is dead! (_Marcel in his turn goes up to the bed, and retreats in alarm; a ray of sunshine falls through the window upon Mimi's face; Musetta points to her cloak, which, with a grateful glance, Rudolph takes, and standing upon a chair, endeavors to form a screen by stretching the cloak across the window-pane._)

COL. (_quietly entering and putting some money on the table near Musetta_) How is she?

RUD. See, now! She's tranquil.

(_RUDOLPH, turning round, sees MUSETTA, who makes a sign to him that the medicine is ready; getting off the chair, he is suddenly aware of the strange demeanor of MARCEL and SCHAUNARD._)

RUD. (_huskily, almost in a speaking voice_) What's the meaning of this going and this coming, And these glances so strange? (_He glances from one to the other in consternation._)

MAR. (_unable to bear up any longer, hastens to embrace _Rudolph_ as he murmurs_) Poor fellow!

RUD. (_flings himself on _Mimi's_ bed, lifts her up, shakes her by the hand, and exclaims in tones of anguish_) Mimi! Mimi! (_he falls, sobbing, upon her lifeless form_) (_Terror-stricken, _MUSETTA_ rushes to the bed, utters a piercing cry of grief; then kneels sobbing, at the foot of the bed. _SCHAUNARD_, overcome, sinks back into a chair; to the left, _COLLINE_ stands at the foot of the bed, dazed at the suddenness of this catastrophe. _MARCEL_, sobbing, turns his back to the footlights. The curtain slowly falls._)