BOHEMIA (Vie de Bohem): A Play in Five Acts

By T. Barriere and H. Murger

Etext by Dagny
  • ACT I
  • ACT II
  • ACT III
  • ACT IV
  • ACT V
  • Etext by Dagny
    This Etext is for private use only. No republication for profit in 
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    http://www.cadytech.com/dumas/personnage.asp?key=130


    1849

    Translated and Adapted by Frank J. Morlock C 2000



    Characters:

    Durandin, business man
    Rodolphe, a poet, his nephew
    Marcel, a painter
    Schaunard, a musician
    Gustave Colline, a philosopher
    Benoit, hotel manager
    Baptiste, a servant
    A waiter/cashier
    A gentleman
    A doctor
    Cesarine de Rouvre, a young widow
    Mimi
    Musette
    Phemie
    A lady
    A commissioner
    Cesarine's servants
    Guests



    Ten men, four women

    ACT I

    A house in the country in the neighborhood of Paris. A garden. In the rear a balustrade giving on the countryside. To the left a pavilion with an open window facing the public. To the right a garden bench. Chairs.

    Baptiste (alone, at the back near the wall looking at the countryside)
    What's that cloud of dust? Could it be the carriage of Madame Cesarine de Rouvre? That would be surprising to me, because it's noon and Monsieur Durandin doesn't expect the lady until two o'clock. Why, it's not a carriage. (looking attentively) Some young men with large easels and young girls with big hats. I know what it is—it's a caravan. Happy youth—laugh, laugh—you haven't read Monsieur Voltaire. But, think of it—what imprudence. (taking a book which he had forgotten on the bench) If Monsieur Durandin, the numbers man, as Monsieur Rodolphe says, had found this in octavo, my removal would be imminent. See, Monsieur Durandin has informed me that they will take coffee in this pavilion which hasn't been opened for three months. Let's put things in order. (goes into the pavilion and opens the blinds) Or rather no, everything's fine as it is—as Monsieur Voltaire said. Thanks to the dust, the Louis XV furniture has a more venerable appearance. I won't bring a profane duster to it. As for these populations of arachnids, they'll give this place a more antique character, completely artistic. So, I won't remove these spiders. My only regret is there aren't more of them. (shutting the door) Everything is ready and now Madame Rouvre can arrive.

    Durandin (enters from the back, notebook in hand, reading)
    Paris to Rouen, from 575 to 555 remains at 560—15 francs lower— bravo—it's time to buy. (to Baptiste without turning) Where is my nephew?

    Baptiste
    In his room, monsieur.

    Durandin (always calculating)
    200 at 5.6, 112,000. 200 at 500—probable fall—116,000, 4,000 francs profits net— (rubbing his hands) Where is my nephew?

    Baptiste
    In his room, monsieur.

    Durandin (waking up from his reverie)
    Huh? What? It's not true, I'm coming from there. By the way, his room is in a pretty state. You aren't taking care of it?

    Baptiste
    Pardon me, monsieur. On the contrary. I take meticulous care of it. I open the window in the morning and I shut it in the evening.

    Durandin
    And that's all?

    Baptiste
    And that's all, monsieur. I follow to the letter the instructions given me by your nephew, Monsieur Rodolphe, who told me when he came to live here: “Baptiste, you please me infinitely, but if you wish to preserve my esteem, you will never touch anything in my room. If you had the imprudence to put my things in their place, it would be impossible for me ever to find them again.”

    Durandin
    Then, that's why I observed a pair of boots on the chimney and the clock in the cupboard.

    Baptiste
    I can't give an account of the motive which assigned that place to the pair of boots, but as for the clock, it's different and can be explained. (Durandin is back at his notebook) You're not listening to me, monsieur.

    Durandin
    Oh, yes, imbecile.

    Baptiste
    I continue: The first time Monsieur Rodolphe saw the clock in question he wanted to throw it out the window.

    Durandin (stupefied)
    Out the— A clock worth four hundred francs, in gilded bronze with a bronze representing Malek-Adel.

    Baptiste
    Yes, monsieur, I know quite well—Malek-Adel—by Madame Cottin. But the clock had a defect.

    Durandin
    What was that?

    Baptiste
    It marked the hour.

    Durandin
    Well?

    Baptiste
    My God! I know that it was only doing its duty—but Monsieur Rodolphe judged otherwise. He said he didn't want this domestic tyrant that counted his existence minute by minute, whose needle stretched right to his bed and came to sting in the morning with those instruments of torture in the vicinity of which nonchalance and reverie are impossible.

    Durandin
    What are all these wandering? Oh, this cannot last much longer; my nephew will make me as crazy as he is. Happily, Madame Rouvre is coming today, she's a widow, rich—womanly.

    Baptiste
    That's her most beautiful honor.

    Durandin
    I'm not talking to you. She's a woman and what a woman wants—. Rodolphe must come down to earth to sign the contract. He must be in the garden musing over his nonsense. Go find him for me.

    Baptiste
    Right away, monsieur.

    (Baptiste goes out back left. As he does, he opens his Voltaire and continues to read.)

    Durandin (alone)
    My nephew is indeed the son of my brother. It's the same disordered spirit. Vocation! Art! Genius! And the father died leaving debts the son is ready to double. The arts! The arts! Doesn't he have a beautiful history and pretty job. But I am here—and soon I will have our charming auxiliary flanked by 40,000 francs income, and I really hope—but if, to the contrary, Monsieur Poet, the dreamer resists, if he refuses his luck—so much the worse for him! He can go to the devil!

    Rodolphe (entering, very eccentric)
    Is that why you made me come, uncle?

    Durandin
    Ah, there you are, hothead.

    Rodolphe (gaily)
    Hello, Uncle Million. You're in a bad mood. I am going to recite a sonnet for you, jolly fellow, that's going to cheer you up and cool you down.

    Durandin
    Would you talk reasonably for a minute?

    Rodolphe
    Willingly? Willingly, my uncle, but not more, you quite understand. The minute is gone. Let's talk of something else.

    Durandin
    You're settled on it, right? You don't wish to understand anything?

    Rodolphe
    My uncle, I understand nothing about business. You do it, as much as you like, I am not preventing you.

    Durandin
    Truly? And as for you, you'll write odes to the moon, right? And you will curse the egoistic century that refuses to nourish you for doing nothing.

    Rodolphe
    Wrong, my uncle, grave mistake! I am not seated at the banquet of life with the intention of cursing fellow guests over dessert. By dessert, I'm rolling under the table, and my muse, a good fat wench with an insolent eye and a turned up nose picks me up, leads me stumbling to my lodging, and we spend the night laughing at those who've paid us to dine. It's ingratitude if you like, but it's amusing.

    Durandin
    And is this what concerns you?

    Rodolphe
    What concerns me? Absolutely nothing for the moment. But that will concern me later. You've studied men and you speculate on the telegraphs. You live by your enterprise. As for me, I want to live by my imagination. I will do whatever they wish—sad, gay, pleasant, grave. I will feel like fasting and jesting loudly after dinner— (striking his head) My capital is here. A superb enterprise under the direction of Piochage and Company. Social capital—courage, wit, and gaiety.

    Durandin
    But, truly, I am really glad to hear that from you. Madame de Rouvre is coming today—in an hour.

    Rodolphe
    You did quite well to warn me, my uncle. I'm going out right away.

    Durandin
    Not another step or I'll disinherit you.

    Rodolphe
    Damn! I ask to sit down.

    Durandin (sitting on the bench with his nephew)
    Listen, my boy, in the past you paid court to Madame de Rouvre, you pressed her assiduously for an entire winter.

    Rodolphe
    I cannot deny it, uncle.

    Durandin
    In the Spring, we spent a month at her country estate—and, between us, those walks in the solitary alleys of her park—

    Rodolphe
    Hush! Be as discreet as I am, uncle.

    Durandin
    I'm not reproaching you. On the contrary, you did well, it was a masterful stroke—for she's very rich and she loves you.

    Rodolphe
    She loves me?

    Durandin
    I'm sure of it.

    Rodolphe
    She's a woman of wit, she will understand that I don't want to marry her.

    Durandin
    You don't want to marry her?

    Rodolphe
    I never promised her that.

    Durandin
    Promised—this lad is a bit conceited.

    Rodolphe
    Why no, uncle, I wish to remain a bachelor, that's all.

    Durandin
    But, wretch, Madame de Rouvre is pretty.

    Rodolphe
    I know it, uncle.

    Durandin
    Well?

    Rodolphe
    Well! So much the worse for the others.

    Durandin
    By marrying her, you would have from your wife's side alone, forty thousand francs of income. You would have a calm, quiet position. You would have children.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, that's right, many children and rabbits. Thanks, that doesn't suit me. I need air, freedom, a picturesque life, tempestuous if you like, free not to dine every day—that's all the same with me—in the days of feasting, I will eat for a month.

    Durandin
    You will never do anything in your life. You will follow in the tracks of your father.

    Rodolphe
    Ah, uncle, let's not speak of that, let's not rake up the ashes.

    Durandin
    That's very well, but nonetheless, it is true that my brother also didn't want to do anything except as he pleased, and when he died, he owed everybody.

    Rodolphe (serious)
    Except you, uncle.

    Durandin
    I'll have to be bled from four veins to support a mad man.

    Rodolphe
    No, uncle, you've done well. After all, my father left me an honorable name—a name that is respected—and some paintings that are admired. But once again, let's not speak of that.

    Durandin
    So be it! I have to leave to greet Madame de Rouvre. I hope, on my return, you'll be in a better frame of mind.

    Rodolphe
    Can't swear to it, uncle. There's nothing immutable under the sun.

    Durandin
    Think about it, and if you become reasonable you won't regret it.

    Together (singing)
    Durandin Rodolphe True happiness There's no happiness Is for the heart. In marriage in my heart. No slavery For between you and me For us No slavery Is so sweet. Is sweet.

    (Durandin goes out by the right.)

    Rodolphe (alone)
    Uncles are astonishing. They would make you marry every woman you've sworn eternal love to by moonlight. Why, they'd have a legalized harem. For me to marry Madame Cesarine de Rouvre, the most flirtatious and imperious woman on earth, who orders you to love her so to speak— I'm not so crazy! From tomorrow I shall take my flight. I am fleeing this insipid and monotonous villa that no one ever visits by chance or unexpectedly.

    Chorus (outside)
    Our future must light up In the sunshine of our youth. Let's love and sing some more. Youth comes only once.

    Rodolphe
    What's that? Could it be the unexpected I asked for? (goes to the back) Some artists and grisettes, not doubt. They are having lunch on the grass. Bon appetit! Now there's happiness as I understand it. Walks without gloves and dinners without forks. Heavens, they're bowing to me. (he bows and comes back) I almost want to hurl myself into the midst of their group and invite myself. Indeed, why not?

    Marcel (appearing above the balustrade)
    Sir—Sir!

    Rodolphe
    Who's calling me?

    Marcel
    I ask your pardon, monsieur. You couldn't, by chance, lend us some place settings and silverware?

    Rodolphe
    Sir, if you want to wait, I'll ring. I will go find a bell. You're an artist, monsieur?

    Marcel
    Yes, monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    Painter.

    Marcel
    It's you who said it.

    Rodolphe
    Of what school?

    Marcel
    Of my own.

    Rodolphe
    I congratulate you on it.

    Marcel
    And me, too, monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    And your name is?

    Marcel
    Marcel, to serve you.

    Rodolphe
    And as for my name—Rodolphe, to be agreeable to you.

    Marcel
    This nest belongs to you?

    Rodolphe
    Not the least bit. I am the nest's nephew. Take the trouble to fall this way.

    Marcel
    This doesn't disturb you?

    Rodolphe
    Not at all.

    Marcel (jumping)
    Allow me to offer you my hand—it's all I have on me.

    Rodolphe
    Willingly—but on condition that you offer it also to those pretty persons who sing so well.

    Marcel
    I can refuse nothing to you, monsieur. (calling) Hey, Musette, you are invited to enter by scaling—

    (Orchestra music.)

    Musette (appearing on the balustrade)
    Here I am.

    (Musette pulls up her dress a little and shows a bit of her leg as she climbs over. Rodolphe runs to help her.)

    Rodolphe
    By God, there's a pretty leg. I must offer my arm.

    Musette
    The gentleman sells madrigals.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, madame.

    Musette
    And you get paid for it?

    Rodolphe (kissing her hand)
    In cash!

    Marcel (taking Musette's hand)
    Allow me to present her to you more formally. Miss Musette—twenty-two years old.

    Musette
    In six months.

    Marcel
    A charming girl who's only defect is to lose the key to her heart too often. All the same, I have nothing to complain of—that's how I found shelter one rainy day.

    Musette (low to Marcel, pointing to Rodolphe)
    He's sweet!

    Marcel (to Rodolphe)
    She thinks you're sweet. That's the beginning—impossible to tell where it will end.

    (Rodolphe offers a chair to Musette. Schaunard appears on the support of the balustrade.)

    Schaunard
    Hey! Marcel! I can't find Musette any more. I think she fell into her cup.

    Marcel
    Don't worry, faithful friend. Climb in. (Schaunard climbs in) Monsieur Schaunard, orphan by vocation, painter by taste, musician to do something and poet with nothing to do. Spending half his life in search of money to pay his creditors and the other half in fleeing his creditors when he has found money.

    Schaunard (bowing)
    The scheme is faithful like a poodle. But you are seeing only half of myself. Allow me to present the other half. Phemie!

    (Phemie appears and Schaunard helps her down.)

    Marcel
    Miss Phemie—a devoted wife—when she's dined.

    Rodolphe (offering a chair to Phemie)
    Miss—

    Phemie
    Very grateful, monsieur, I am not yet tired.

    (Phemie sits near Musette.)

    Schaunard (with severity)
    Phemie! Please excuse her, monsieur. She comes from—I met her in a forest.

    Rodolphe
    Virgin forest?

    (Schaunard sneezes. Colline appears.)

    Marcel (indicating Colline to Rodolphe)
    Don't be worried, monsieur, that's all of us. Monsieur Gustave Colline, philosopher, the treasurer of the society, a sinecure.

    (They all come forward.)

    Rodolphe
    Ladies and gentlemen.

    All
    Listen.

    Rodolphe
    Please believe in my sympathy.

    Marcel
    And—

    Rodolphe
    The speech is over.

    Phemie (rising)
    Bravo!

    Musette
    It's in very good taste—it's not long.

    Schaunard
    Pardon, monsieur. I have to ask some information of you.

    Rodolphe
    Speak, monsieur.

    Schaunard
    Could you tell me where they put the tobacco in this house?

    Rodolphe
    Here, monsieur. (pointing to his pocket and offering tobacco to Schaunard who fills his pipe) You've got a nice looking pipe, Monsieur Schaunard.

    Schaunard (negligently)
    I don't have a prettier one to suit me in the world.

    Musette (to Rodolphe)
    Sir, would it be indiscreet to ask your permission to pick some flowers from the garden?

    Phemie
    And some apricots?

    Rodolphe
    What do you think?

    (The ladies come forward.)

    Colline
    Sir, if you will allow me, I will accompany these ladies to do a little botany.

    (The ladies pick flowers and put them in Colline's arms.)

    Musette (laughing)
    This may embarrass you!

    Colline
    Oh, no, I assure you. (going to a bench and depositing everything at the foot of a tree) Look a bit. (pulls several books from his pocket) Botany—that's what I need.

    Musette
    We are here.

    Phemie
    Let's go to it, gaily.

    Musette and Phemie (singing together)
    Let's glean, Let's pick The daisies Among the green turf. To the sweet songs of warblers. Let's mingle, mingle, Our gay tunes.

    (The women leave by the left, Colline leaves by the right. Rodolphe takes up, one by one, the books Colline deposited on the bench.)

    Rodolphe
    Chemistry, engineering, physics. Ah, indeed, why, your friend is a walking library.

    Marcel
    Ah, you see, it's that Colline is the studious and dreamy child of Bohemia.

    Rodolphe
    Bohemia?

    Marcel
    Bohemia, bordered on the north by hope, work and gayety—on the south by necessity and courage—on the west and east by slander and the Hotel Dieu.

    Rodolphe
    I thank you very much, but I don't understand.

    Marcel
    You desire a second lesson in geography relative to Bohemia? It's very easy, monsieur, for you see before you two natives of the country.

    Schaunard
    Bohemia—us.

    Rodolphe
    You?

    Marcel
    That is to say, all those who, driven by an obstinate vocation, go into art with no other means of existence than art itself; wit always kept on watch by their ambition which beats the charge before them and drives them to an assault on the future. Their everyday existence is a work of genius, a quotidian problem. But if a small fortune falls into their hands, they are to be seen cavalcading in the most serious fantasies, loving the youngest and the most beautiful, drinking the best and oldest wines—never finding enough windows to throw their money out of.

    Schaunard
    Then, when their last franc is dead and buried—they begin diving over again at the table d'hote, where their place is always set—and to hunt down from noon to midnight that ferocious arrival—a one hundred sous coin—intelligent folk who would have found truffles on the raft of the Medusa.

    Marcel
    They don't know how to take the steps on the boulevard without meeting a friend.

    Schaunard
    Or thirty steps—no matter where—without meeting a creditor.

    Marcel
    And when January comes, pockets full of colds and hands full of chilblains, they warm themselves philosophically by burning their furniture.

    Schaunard
    That's what moderns call sitting by the chimney.

    Rodolphe
    Truly, gentlemen, your carefree courage, your joyful philosophy enchants me. I would never like to leave you.

    Schaunard
    We will stay here just as long as you like, monsieur.

    Ladies (outside)
    Here we are!

    (Musette and Phemie come in, loaded down with flowers. Phemie has an apple.)

    Chorus
    Let's glean, Let's pick The daisies Among the green turf. To the sweet songs of warblers. Let's mingle, mingle, Our gay tunes.

    Musette
    There's our harvest.

    Phemie (eating an apple)
    The country is excellent.

    Marcel (to Rodolphe)
    As to the rest, monsieur, we have sweet compensations in our life of trials. These young girls are our living joys. We love them madly and perhaps they will love us forever.

    (Phemie passes by Schaunard who is seated.)

    Rodolphe
    If forever doesn't last too long.

    Marcel
    And if the ribbons don't cost too much. They will remain with us so long as they have heart—and they'll leave us when they have wit.

    Musette
    Meaning I am stupid?

    Marcel
    Alas, no, my sweet.

    Musette
    As for me, who refused a bank clerk with fine mahogany furniture—

    Marcel
    Yes, but if it had been the banker himself, and he had driven audacity to the point of touching the rosewood—

    Musette
    True. I would have refused him. I've still got time—besides, you, too, will be rich.

    Marcel
    Certainly—still, some measure of patience. Anyway, I have an idea. Starting next Monday we will practice economies and I will—

    Musette
    Yes, my little Marcel. I really love you, go on, for you I would throw myself from the top of the towers of Notre Dame.

    Schaunard
    Musette, that impudent remark will cost you four sous. It's the penalty. (to Phemie) And you! Would you like to die for me?

    Phemie
    Yes, but not of starvation.

    Schaunard (to Rodolphe)
    She is astounding, monsieur. She finds words like those all by herself—without hesitation. She is astounding. I am infatuated with her.

    (Phemie pulls a fruit from her pocket and a paper falls out. Schaunard rises and picks it up.)

    Phemie (aside)
    These fruits! It's extraordinary how they make you hungry.

    (Phemie goes back upstage.)

    Schaunard (aside)
    What do I see! A declaration with an emblem representing a heart pierced by a bayonet—and signed “A soldier of the 29th.” It was two weeks ago I surprised the presence of another paper signed “A cavalryman of the 24th.” Her heart is a barracks. (calling) Phemie!

    Phemie (coming to him)
    Huh?

    Schaunard
    You know too many people in uniform. (showing the letter) What is this love prospectus signed by a member of the French Cavalry?

    Phemie (troubled)
    That—it's from a little red man who handed it to me on the Pont Neuf.

    Schaunard
    Very well. (pointing to his cane) Tonight you'll have an explanation with the bamboo.

    (Colline and Baptiste enter, arm in arm. Colline has a basket. They enter from the back right.)

    Colline
    You are a sceptic, Monsieur Baptiste.

    Baptiste
    Sir, I've read Voltaire.

    Colline
    As for me, I'm a pantheist. Everything is in everything. Have you read Spinoza?

    Baptiste
    Me!

    Colline
    Reread him! Also look at Descartes. (Musette and Phemie come to take the basket) (to Rodolphe) Monsieur, you have a very wise servant. I took him for an article in the Review of Two Worlds. (goes near Marcel)

    Marcel
    Where are you coming from?

    Colline
    By jove! You are a rare featherbrain. You left our provisions in the midst of the country, where they would have become the prey of scavengers. I had to find them with the aid of Monsieur Baptiste.

    Musette (looking in the basket)
    But the bottles are empty.

    Colline
    In the midst of a serious discussion with this gentleman on the immortality of the soul, we became very exalted. We drank the bottles, but there are the corks.

    Musette
    Well, with what will we eat the duck which is in the pie?

    (Phemie looks in the basket.)

    Phemie
    The duck flew off. All that's left is the crust.

    (Phemie and Musette throw it all over the balustrade with Marcel's help.)

    Baptiste
    In the midst of a grave discussion with this gentleman on the objective and the subjective— (to Musette) The mine and the not— mine, if you prefer—as we were very exalted—we ate the duck.

    Musette (to Rodolphe)
    Your servant is sweet. Do you pay him much?

    Rodolphe
    Don't troubel yourself. We are going to straighten all this out. Baptiste, you understand— (Baptist leaves by the rear) Now, allow me to offer you lunch.

    Schaunard
    Indeed, it's the hour honest folks spend in the dining room. Let's go.

    Rodolphe
    The dining room is here—in a moment we will be served and we will drink to Bohemia, my future country!

    All
    What!

    Rodolphe
    Listen to me. Here I am running the greatest dangers.

    Marcel
    You?

    Rodolphe
    They want to marry me.

    Marcel
    That's horrible.

    Rodolphe
    It's my Uncle Million who had that idea.

    Musette
    Your Uncle Million?

    Phemie
    What a pretty name!

    Schaunard
    Indeed, I'd like to have your uncle's money.

    Rodolphe
    Me marry—can you grasp that? Imprison my freedom in a contract? Throw my heart in the household pot-boiler, clip the wings of my youth—all that simply to provide for my uncle the pleasure of having little grand-nephews!

    Schaunard
    By jove, if he wants 'em—let him make 'em himself.

    Rodolphe
    I've been meditating flight for a long while—but all alone, I wouldn't know where to go. Now, it's quite decided—I intend to lead, like you, the beautiful life of work and pleasure. I have a great heart and great courage—you will see me at work. So, if you will permit it, I will be your companion at first—until the day you really want to call me your friend!

    (During this monologue, Baptiste has brought a cloth and placed lunch on the ground.)

    Marcel
    But you already are!

    Musette and Phemie
    Yes, monsieur, you are.

    Baptiste
    You are served.

    Rodolphe
    Baptiste, you will leave with us. You are a studious lad—you will make your way.

    Baptiste
    What an honor.

    Phemie (aside)
    He's really quite nice, this Baptiste—if only he had a uniform.

    Rodolphe
    And now—to lunch.

    All
    To lunch!

    (They sit on the bench and overturned chairs and attack the lunch.)

    Chorus
    To lunch, my friends. Chance gaily unites us On this flowered strand. Already our places are set.

    Marcel (holding a bottle)
    Royal Champagne, I recognize him by his silver helmet. Stay away from it, it's not wine!

    Rodolphe (astonished)
    What is it, then?

    Marcel
    Elegant cider.

    Schaunard
    Tasteless.

    Marcel (throwing the bottle to Baptiste)
    Offer it to the ladies. The first duty of wine is to be red. Baptiste, my friend, pass us some burgundy.

    (Marcel takes a bottle and pours.)

    Baptiste
    Do you want some water?

    Marcel
    Water in wine? That's like Platonism in love.

    Phemie
    What is Platonism?

    Musette
    Stupidities—the disease of men who don't dare to embrace women.

    Phemie
    Fie! The horror.

    Musette (embracing Marcel)
    Let's drink our pure wine.

    Marcel
    And long live youth!

    All (as they drink)
    Long live youth.

    Chorus (all)
    Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love and sing together, Youth is too short.

    Schaunard
    Armed with patience Against evil destiny, Courage and hope, We mould our bread. Our careless attitude To the fanfares of our song Makes our misery happy, Youth is too short.

    Chorus
    Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love and sing together, Youth is too short.

    Marcel
    If the chosen mistress, Who by luck loves us And makes our poetry bloom With the flame of her glance, Knowing her taste for being beautiful Without causing us pain— Let's love her all the same—sweet infidel. Youth is too short.

    Chorus
    Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love and sing together, Youth is too short.

    Musette
    Since the most beautiful things, Love affairs and beauty Like lilies and roses, Have only the season of summer, When May in flowering arbors Drapes the green flag of spring, Let's love and sing some more. Youth is very short.

    Chorus
    Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love and sing together, Youth is too short.

    Baptiste (at the back, utters a scream)
    Ah!

    All
    What is it?

    Baptiste
    Monsieur Durandin! Monsieur Durandin! I notice his carriage—and quick—quick!

    Marcel
    The devil!

    Schaunard
    Let's help the waiter.

    (Schaunard puts a bottle in his pocket. Phemie puts cakes and fruits in her pockets.)

    Rodolphe
    Gentlemen! I am desolated! But—

    (All fill the hamper which they carry behind the pavilion.)

    Marcel
    We understand perfectly.

    Rodolphe
    We will see each other again soon. There's time to pack my suitcase and not to embrace my uncle.

    Colline (in the back)
    The carriage is approaching.

    Rodolphe
    Wait for me in the little wood that adjoins the garden.

    Phemie
    But, which way to leave?

    Baptiste
    Not by the door.

    Musette
    Over the wall.

    Marcel
    Doubtless.

    Baptiste
    The carriage is entering the courtyard.

    Musette and Phemie
    Save yourself if you can!

    (Musette and Phemie go over the balustrade. Marcel shakes Rodolphe's hand and jumps in his turn. Colline stops and returns.)

    Colline
    Ah! My God! I've forgotten my books.

    Schaunard
    You will take them another time.

    (Colline vanishes.)

    Schaunard
    Say, Monsieur Rodolphe, I left a chicken leg.

    Rodolphe
    That doesn't matter.

    (Schaunard disappears.)

    Baptiste (looking to the right)
    Just in time.

    Rodolphe
    They're already far away. Now it's a question of finding an honest way to leave here.

    Baptiste
    Ah! My God! Monsieur Million seems so agitated.

    Rodolphe
    Heavens, he's alone.

    Baptiste
    It's true. Here he is.

    Durandin (coming in from the right)
    Ah! My friend! My dear nephew.

    Rodolphe
    What's the matter with you, Uncle?

    Durandin
    What an adventure! Madame de Rouvre—

    Rodolphe
    You are terrifying me!

    Durandin
    Getting out of the carriage—she sprained her ankle.

    Rodolphe
    Where is she?

    Durandin
    At the Lion Inn—a terrible inn.

    Rodolphe (aside)
    Ah! Now, there's my way out. (aloud, uneasily) What! Madame de Rouvre will be deprived of those thousand little nothings to which she's become accustomed! Uncle, I am taking your carriage.

    (Rodolphe passes near Baptiste.)

    Durandin (aside)
    He's going there.

    Rodolphe (to Baptiste)
    Ah! Baptiste—a suitcase, some linen, plates, my books to distract her—don't forget anything. (low) Don't forget my pipes.

    Baptiste
    Where are we going?

    Rodolphe (low)
    To Bohemia. (aloud) Go—run!

    (Baptiste leaves by the right.)

    Rodolphe (to Durandin)
    Goodbye, Uncle.

    Durandin
    Goodbye my boy.

    (Rodolphe leaves quickly by the right.)

    Durandin (alone, rubbing his hands)
    The trick succeeded. Now we know what we've got. He loves her like a madman. It's true what they say—what a woman wants, God wants. (a carriage can be heard leaving) Gone already!

    Chorus (heard from off)
    Our future must shine In the sun of our twenty years. Let's love and sing together, Youth is too short.

    Durandin
    What's that? (runs to the back and looks over the balustrade) Ah! My God, he tricked me.

    CURTAIN


    ACT II

    Two contiguous rooms in a furnished hotel. In each of the two rooms a door at the back and a bed. Furnished as little as possible. In the room on the left, a little table on the right with writing materials. On the left, a chimney with a mirror next to the chimney, an armchair and a little round table. A chair to the right. On the chimney a bottle with a bonnet on it. To the right a trunk from which hangs a veil and a hat. Cards on the chimney. In the room to the left a window which is shut with a blue curtain. To the right by the window a round table with printer's proofs. Underneath a rack of pipes. To the right, near the bed, a commode. Above the commode a shelf of books with some brochures. To the left a table with paper, pen, ink, etc. On the same side, a trunk from which hang a vest, an overcoat and a hat. Two chairs—one near the table—the other by the round table. On that of the right, a pea-jacket. Under the bed, a suitcase in which there's only a book and a suspenders.

    Musette in the room at the left. It is broad day. Rodolphe is in the room at the right, so hermetically sealed that it is completely dark.

    Musette (doing her hair in front of a mirror, singing)
    Pretty mouth and rosy lips To sing out, always open. See Rose, Alert like a gay lark. To plait a crown With both hands from ripe wheat. Rose, go harvest, and return With both hands full of azure flowers.

    (Musette sits and arranges the bonnet which is perched on the bottle.)

    Musette
    Who would have been able to say that the Vicomte, not seeing me, would not return? Ah, my word, so much the worse! He would bore me, he's turned weeping willow, he's pressing his branches. I told him that I was going to the waters of Bagneres. He's capable of believing it and flying there. So much the better. He's gone. I am returning to my apartment. But from here—am I dumb to be gone without money. I never think about myself. Ah! Bah! A pretty woman is never embarrassed for money. (hums)

    Rodolphe (stretched, completely dressed, on his bed, dreaming)
    Is it possible? Such a fortune to me! My worthy uncle. To leave me in his will a whole province in Peru, Peruvians included.

    (A rapping on the door at the right. Rodolphe falls back to sleep and doesn't wake up. More knocking.)

    Musette
    Come in!

    (A man enters Rodolphe's room.)

    Musette
    Heavens! It's over there, the home of that gentleman who sleeps so loud.

    Cashier
    Monsieur, monsieur—

    Rodolphe (waking up and looking at the cashier who is fumbling in a
    large portfolio) Who's this stranger? Ah, I've got it, he's here about my inheritance.

    Cashier
    Sir, I'm here to—

    Rodolphe
    I know what it is. Put it there. Ah! You want a receipt. That's fair. Pass me pen and ink—there on the table.

    Cashier
    No, monsieur. I've come to collect one hundred fifty francs. Today is the 15th of July.

    Rodolphe (examining the note)
    The 15th of July! It's astonishing. I haven't yet eaten any strawberries. Ah! Birmann's order! He's my tailor. Alas! (looking at his clothes strewn on a chair) The causes have gone but the effects are returning.

    Cashier
    You have until four o'clock to pay. (takes back the note, places a small paper on the table and leaves)

    Rodolphe (with nobility)
    These are not times for honest men. (regretfully) The intriguer! He carried off his bag. (going back to bed) It's the 15th of July. The Cape of Storms is difficult to get past. Day that begins with a rain of notes and end with a hail of protests. (goes back to sleep)

    Musette (singing)
    Beautiful sunflowers worn as a crown In fair weather, Beautiful flowers given by Spring To presage its first loves, All fade so quickly, Rose. One day you'll have to gather Flowers that bloom In memory's fields.

    Rodolphe (waking and starting)
    Who the devil's singing like that? I can't hear myself dream. (yelling) Madame!

    Musette (responding louder than he)
    Sir!

    Rodolphe
    Is it day at your place?

    Musette
    A bit! And in your place, is it night?

    Rodolphe
    Very much so. It's night all day long. I've stopped the sun on account of a going-out-of-business sale.

    Musette
    Sir!

    Rodolphe (going back to bed)
    Madame.

    (Musette rises and puts her bonnet back on the bottle at the chimney on the left.)

    Musette
    You are impolite. (sings louder)

    Rodolphe
    Heavens, why, I hadn't noticed. It seems to me I recognize that sweet voice. Why yes, the sound is familiar to me.

    (Rodolphe jumps up from the bed and puts on a jacket.)

    Musette
    Ah! Why, hold on. Rodolphe!

    Rodolphe
    What do you think!

    Musette
    What a fortunate coincidence. I offer you my hand.

    Rodolphe
    I kiss your face. Why, indeed— (rapping on the wall) Can I come in?

    Musette
    Always! But this way, go round.

    (Rodolphe leaves his room and enters Musette's room. He embraces her.)

    Rodolphe
    I went round, my pretty little Musette.

    Musette
    My good Rodolphe! What's become of you?

    Rodolphe
    I became a philosopher.

    Musette
    Which means you haven't any money.

    Rodolphe
    Pardon me, I have some. I have some to pay—

    Musette
    You have debts?

    Rodolphe
    Money! Would you like some?

    Musette
    No, thanks. Are you still writing poetry?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, on holidays, but during the week it's different. And recently I just finished a very interesting little work entitled “The Perfect Smoker.” It's the height of literature. Anyway, it sells. Baptiste read it and he's satisfied with it.

    Musette
    Baptiste is here!

    Rodolphe
    Yes, under my protection.

    Musette
    Do you realize it's a year since we've seen each other!

    Rodolphe
    I know it.

    Musette
    And your uncle?

    Rodolphe
    Six months or more ago. And it's at the end of those six months, the first that I spent in Paris, in the breast of Bohemia, that you abandoned it, you inconstant Musette, to go live in the heights of Eros in the red light district of Breda.

    Musette (laughing)
    Vicomtesse, my dear. (going to the right)

    Rodolphe
    Ah, I was really sure that you would end that way—one night or the other. But then, how is it that I meet you again in this humble garret?

    Musette
    I rented it, through foresight just in case, two months ago—and I came here last night for the first time. It's a small hideaway.

    Rodolphe
    On the fifth floor? Then, I understand the heart of a Vicomte without prejudice to others.

    Musette
    No! No! It's finished.

    Rodolphe (sitting down)
    And Marcel?

    Musette
    I love him more than ever. And the proof— (pointing to a little box on the table at the right) There are his letters. It's the only thing I took with me in my flight.

    Rodolphe (rising)
    Then, you are returning to us?

    Musette
    Yes, decidedly, I want to eat with you again—the bread blessed by gaiety. (singing) It's over. I'm forgetting My brilliant life And I repudiate My noble love affairs. Yes, I say to you goodbye forever, Diamonds and admirers. Only to you, Marcel, My love, caresses and smiles. It's over. I'm forgetting My brilliant life And I repudiate My noble love affairs.

    Together
    Musette Rodolphe It's over. I'm forgetting At last she's forgetting My brilliant life Her brilliant life, And I repudiate And she's repudiating My noble love affairs. Her noble love affairs.

    Rodolphe
    Ah, you are really making me happy, Musette. But, if you find Marcel, if he forgets the past, in the future you must not break his heart with your little red nails.

    Musette
    I'll cut them very short. (goes to the left)

    Rodolphe
    That's it! And try not to let them grow back too fast. Because, you see, it's serious, Musette. The rest of us, we live on our youth, our courage, our talent—with the woman we love. For a while at least. I know something about it.

    Musette (elbows on the chimney)
    Marie, right?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, Marie.

    Musette
    She really loved you.

    Rodolphe (astride a chair)
    Yes—for a month. During that time, a source of wealth flowed through my room. But the river changed its bed.

    Musette
    And Marie?

    Rodolphe (with a significant gesture)
    She followed the current. Ah, during the first moment, I wasn't very amused, really! Chagrin mortified me. I became enraged.

    Musette
    Poor boy.

    Rodolphe
    And then I had bizarre, fantastic ideas. I absolutely had to have a being to love. I adopted a live lobster. I made it paint itself red— it was more gay. But this affection wasn't enough for me. (rising) I made a salad of it. Then another idea came to me. I went to the Abandoned Children.

    Musette
    Huh?

    Rodolphe
    Looking over the children, I saw a pretty young girl of eighteen. An orphan like the others—but who was kept in the house.

    Musette
    You wanted to adopt her?

    Rodolphe
    Better than that. I wanted to marry her. I made my proposal. I spoke frankly of my means of living—a lyric poet. The marriage fell through.

    Musette (laughing)
    Poor friend!

    Rodolphe
    Well—really—it made me ill to lose her. And I thought that on her side—yes, when I left—her eyes followed me through the door of the house. Wouldn't that be very nice—all that—with vignettes?

    Musette
    Tell me, do you believe Marcel still loves me?

    Rodolphe
    It's to be feared.

    Musette
    Where is he?

    Rodolphe
    I don't exactly know. He's traveling. I think he must have gone to make portraits of the Savoyards.

    (Knocking on Rodolphe's door.)

    Musette
    They're knocking at your place.

    Rodolphe
    You think so?

    Benoit (outside)
    Monsieur Rodolphe, it's me!

    Rodolphe
    Ah, it's our proprietor; he's come looking for money. That's a good idea he's got there. (shouting) Come in! Goodbye, Musette. (leaves)

    Benoit (entering Rodolphe's room)
    Pardon! Perhaps I am indiscreet— (seeing the room is empty) Heavens, there's nobody here. (Rodolphe enters behind him) Ah, here he is. Monsieur, I greet you.

    Rodolphe
    Hello, Monsieur Benoit. Sit down, please!

    (Benoit sits to the left. Musette, in her room, is opening the box of letters and running through them. She sits in an armchair.)

    Musette
    What love there was in these.

    Rodolphe (opening the curtain and the window)
    Allow me to offer you a ray of sunshine, Monsieur Benoit. What happy conjunction of circumstances brings me your visit?

    Benoit (aside)
    He's polite. That worries me. (aloud) Why, I came to tell you that today is July 15th. (pulling a paper from his pocket)

    Rodolphe
    Really? I have to buy some pants from Nankeen on the 15th of July. I would never have thought of it without you, Monsieur Benoit.

    Benoit
    It's 162 francs and time to settle this little bill.

    Rodolphe
    I am not absolutely pressed. It's not necessary to bother you. The little bill will grow larger.

    Benoit
    Huh?

    Rodolphe
    But, if you absolutely insist, let's settle it, Monsieur Benoit.

    (Rodolphe sits beside Benoit.)

    Benoit (smiling)
    Ah!

    Rodolphe
    Oh, my God! Today or tomorrow—it's absolutely indifferent to me. What is it I owe you?

    Benoit (showing him the paper)
    First of all, three months rent at 25, that's 75. Then loans for three pairs of boots at 20 francs each. More money loaned, 27 francs—75 + 60 + 27—all that comes to 162 francs.

    Rodolphe
    That's extraordinary—162 francs! What a fine thing addition is. (rising) Well, Monsieur Benoit, now that the account is straightened out— (pulling a tobacco pouch from his pocket and filling his pipe) We can be relaxed.

    Benoit (rising)
    Sir, I don't like being mocked. It's money I need.

    Rodolphe
    Money! Money! You are astonishing! Do I ask it of you? Anyway, I wish that I had some so as not to give you any. A Sunday—that bodes ill.

    Benoit
    Damn it, monsieur!

    (Musette puts the letters back in the box and takes the cards and reads them.)

    Rodolphe (lighting his pipe)
    Look, Monsieur Benoit, wait a few days.

    Benoit
    No, monsieur. I know what I've got to do. And if someone comes to rent a room from me—

    Rodolphe
    Would you like an object of art as security?

    Benoit
    An object of art? A useless thing? Thanks— (beginning to leave)

    Rodolphe (noticing Benoit has left his purse on the table)
    Monsieur Benoit. (Benoit turns back) You forgot an object of art: your purse. (giving it to him.

    Benoit (furious)
    Ah! Very fine! Monsieur, you will have news of me. (leaves)

    Musette (rising and replacing the cards)
    The outcome was good. I'll get him back.

    Rodolphe
    Ah! Why, I cannot remain here. The allied invasion is going to begin. I have to flee. Where are my ornaments? (gets dressed)

    Benoit (at Musette's door)
    Can I come in?

    Musette
    Yes, Monsieur Benoit. I am visible.

    Benoit (entering)
    Miss—

    Musette
    You're making your rounds, Monsieur Benoit?

    Benoit
    Yes, and I will confess to you that I came—

    Musette
    Why, of course! It's quite natural.

    Benoit (aside)
    Ah, finally.

    Musette
    I ask your permission to lace my boots.

    Benoit
    Very fine. I must have the receipt.

    (Benoit fumbles through his pockets. Musette laces her boots. Schaunard abruptly enters Rodolphe's room.)

    Schaunard
    Hello! (sits on the bed) Ooof!

    Rodolphe (arranging himself at a mirror on the little table at the
    left) Heavens, it's you!

    Schaunard
    You don't have one hundred francs to loan me?

    Rodolphe
    One hundred francs! You always do fantasize. You've been taking hashish.

    Schaunard
    I haven't taken anything at all. Ah, yes—I took a cab by the hour to look for money.

    Rodolphe
    Ah! Fine.

    Benoit (reading a receipt)
    No, this isn't it. It's Monsieur Rodolphe's receipt.

    Rodolphe
    Well—

    Schaunard
    I haven't found money anywhere, but I find my cab everywhere. Five hours—seven and one-half francs. Do you have that?

    Rodolphe
    I don't think so. Look in that drawer. (points to the chest of drawers)

    (Schaunard opens the drawers and searches.)

    Benoit
    I must have left it downstairs. I'll draw up another.

    (Benoit sits and writes. Musette finishes one boot and starts lacing the other.)

    Schaunard
    There's no money here.

    Rodolphe
    The prior tenant didn't leave any.

    Schaunard
    Who will pay my cab?

    Rodolphe
    Who will invite me to dinner? (he thinks)

    Schaunard
    Ah, damn! Today's Sunday. Sunday, you won't eat or anything like that.

    Benoit (rising from the table)
    Miss, here's the thing—25 plus 25—

    Musette (adjusting her dress)
    Will you do this hook for me?

    Benoit
    Why—

    Musette (turning her back)
    Well, hurry up.

    (Benoit makes prodigious efforts; Musette sings and ways to the tune.)

    Rodolphe (striking his head)
    Ah! I've got an idea!

    Benoit
    Miss, if you keep moving around like this—

    Musette
    I thought it was done.

    Rodolphe
    If you borrowed them from the coachman—

    Schaunard
    Impossible, my dear fellow, he's been burned that way recently.

    Benoit (mopping his face)
    There!

    Musette (standing on her toes to look in the mirror)
    Let's see.

    Schaunard
    You have nothing to here to sell?

    Rodolphe
    Maybe so.

    (Rodolphe and Schaunard inventory the effects.)

    Musette
    Really, for your age, you're not so clumsy.

    Benoit (offering his receipt)
    Fifty—25 plus 25.

    Musette
    Fifty! You'll never get that.

    (Musette takes her hat and her shawl.)

    Benoit
    But, allow me.

    Musette
    I'll be with you in a minute.

    Rodolphe (triumphantly, finding a book in his trunk)
    Ah! Let's sell a volume of poetry with a portrait of the author wearing glasses.

    Schaunard
    I'd prefer a pair of pants—without glasses.

    Musette (having taken her hat and shawl)
    Monsieur Benoit, you must lose a lot of money with the young people who live with you.

    Benoit
    Yes, Miss, a lot.

    Musette
    And when they don't pay you, what do you do?

    Benoit
    I have them pursued.

    Musette
    And when they are women?

    Benoit
    I pursue them myself.

    Musette
    Really? Well, run after me!

    (Musette runs out, laughing.)

    Benoit (furious)
    Miss! Miss! (runs after her)

    Schaunard
    There's nothing to sell here. Ah, five and one-half hours for the cab. Seven francs eighty. Goodbye, I'm going to find some money. (starts to leave)

    Rodolphe (with a shout)
    Ah! (fumbling in his pocket and pulling out a paper) I've got it! (Schaunard comes back) Banquet for five hundred in the honor of the birth of—

    Schaunard
    They seat only one on your ticket?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, but they seat two in your cab. Let's get going. I will bring you out some hazel nuts.

    Schaunard
    Oh! What an idea! I'll keep my cab, by the month.

    Rodolphe (seeing Baptiste at Musette's door)
    Baptiste, if they come from England for me, say I'm in the Pyrenees.

    (Rodolphe and Schaunard disappear.)

    Baptiste
    Yes, monsieur. Pyrenees. Country of King Henry IV. (goes into Musette's room)

    (Baptiste is carrying a broom, a feather duster, a pail, a zinc pitcher and two pairs of sheets. He puts all this down when he enters.)

    Baptiste
    Monsieur Benoit told me to fix up this room and put sheets on the bed. Was this room inhabited? I don't know. Heavens, my word, it's true and these fragments of a uniform spread about here and there sufficiently indicate to what gracious regiment the creature who lodges here belongs. Under these eaves, she's a daughter of Eve, an eater of apples. (rummages about the room) Let's see a bit—how this bonnet is coquettishly placed on this bottle! Just as these flowers and ribbons indeed attest the passage of a roguish and capricious hand. (going to the bed) That's where she slept. The bed retains a voluptuous imprint in which one could view a Venus! And Monsieur Benoit imagines that I am going to destroy that. (disdainfully) Ah! Barbarian! Vandal! (taking all his equipment) Come, let's do another room. (starts to leave and goes to the room on the right; in the middle of the room he bursts into laughter) Ah! Ah! What an admirable disorder. Nothing is in its place—everything is perfectly deranged. (dropping all his equipment) What an antithesis! Over there—grace, coquetry. Here— strength, work. (sits near the table) Over there—flowers, ribbons. Here—pipes, papers, ink—everywhere, even on the sheets, and I'm supposed to change them. Never! There's a lot of work in this room. To think, I have twenty-seven rooms to do like this every day. It takes all my time. (looking at the table) Heavens, Monsieur Rodolphe has received the proofs of the Perfect Chimney Sweep. (takes the proofs and rises) I am going to correct them and put in a hundred commas. (sitting at the table at the right, reading) Chapter one— (he continues to read to himself and make corrections)

    (At the left, Monsieur Benoit, Marcel and a porter with a trunk.)

    Benoit (entering first)
    This is it, monsieur. Do you like it?

    Marcel (entering)
    Fine! Admirable! The Louvre isn't small. (to porter) Put that thing there. Careful, it's a bit heavy.

    (Marcel helps the porter place the trunk against the bed.)

    Benoit (aside, satisfied)
    That young man seems to have plenty of livery. Would you like me to help you open your trunk?

    Marcel
    I thank you much. It's not locked.

    (Marcel pays the porter who then leaves.)

    Benoit
    Excuse me, monsieur, if I leave you, but there's a young girl below who is waiting for me. She wants to see the side room.

    Marcel
    Have a good day. Don't let me keep you. (escorts Benoit out) A young woman near me! That's a gift from Providence.

    Baptiste
    Twenty-two errors in three lines. O Gutenberg!

    Marcel
    Oh, I have an idea. Quickly, a drill.

    (Marcel opens his trunk and pulls back some linen, crayons and pincers which he places on the bed.)

    Baptiste
    I think that lady has returned. My word, at this moment, love of literature is less powerful in me than curiosity.

    (Baptiste rises and puts his ear to the partition.)

    Marcel (piercing the partition)
    This will do it. Thanks to this observatory if this person is built agreeably—

    Baptiste (with his ear still to the partition)
    I think I don't hear anything.

    Marcel
    I will place her shoulders on my chaste Suzanne, who doesn't have any yet. I think this will work.

    Baptiste
    That's singular. The voice doesn't penetrate. (uttering a scream and leaping back, hands on his cheeks) Ah! A beast—a snake!

    Marcel (recoiling)
    There's a lot of people in this wall.

    (The orchestra plays. Mimi and Benoit appear on the right.)

    Benoit (entering first)
    Here we are. (Mimi enters and leans on the bed) Sit down, Miss. You appear ill.

    Mimi (hand on her breast)
    Yes. It's when I climb stairs—but it is nothing.

    (Mimi puts her hat and shawl on the bed.)

    Marcel (looking through the partition)
    Oh! How pretty she is. Now, there's a neck that will do my business nicely.

    (Marcel takes a paper and a crayon and sits down to sketch.)

    Mimi
    Can you see clearly here?

    Baptiste
    Ah! Miss, the sun is an assiduous tenant!

    (Mimi has placed her box on the little round table and gone to the window.)

    Mimi
    You see—there's going to be a storm tonight. That's partially why I don't feel well.

    Benoit
    Miss is a dressmaker?

    Mimi
    I make flowers, monsieur.

    Baptiste
    That's really a pretty profession. The Spring is your colleague.

    Benoit (low to Baptiste)
    What's this! Why isn't this room made?

    Baptiste
    Pardon me, monsieur. It is made—from the point of view of art.

    Benoit
    Huh? Look—hurry up.

    Baptiste
    Yes, monsieur.

    Benoit (bowing)
    Miss, they're going to prepare everything.

    (Exit Benoit.)

    Baptiste (taking all his equipment)
    Miss, if you need something, you'll ring. I won't be here. I am going to the literary office.

    (Baptiste bows and leaves.)

    Mimi (taking an arrangement of flowers from her carton)
    I hope no one followed me! Let's see. I will examine my room later. I want to finish this arrangement before night.

    (Mimi sits at the round table and works.)

    Marcel (eye at the partition)
    The Devil! She's got a high dress. I don't even see the origin of the shoulders. I need shoulders.

    Mimi
    It's getting very hot in here.

    (Mimi takes off a little kerchief which was covering her shoulders.)

    Marcel (joyously)
    Ah—ravishing arms! (sketching)

    Mimi
    That's funny. When I was ill just now, it made me sad immediately. It seemed to me I would never laugh again. All my sorrows came back—but when the sadness passed, as it does at this moment, I only think of what can make me happy. I think only of him—and my songs return to my lips. (singing) Arise, my darling Jeannette And put on your best clothes. Today is the day of the celebration, The day of national holiday.

    Marcel
    Ah—that pretty voice. Why, she's charming, adorable! I'm madly in love with her. And I am admiring the outlines instead of depicting them with passion. (rises and places his paper and crayon on the table) Quick, when something has ninety degrees. Richlieu ! A pen! (runs into the room and notices a bonnet) A bonnet! (takes it up) A bonnet has come to my place—or rather—it's I who came to the bonnet. I remember, a poor girl who couldn't pay—that booby of a hotel manager told me. (replacing the bonnet on the bottle) Oh, it's peculiar.

    Mimi
    Night's falling. I won't be finished in time.

    Marcel
    Ah! This is strange. This little bonnet resembles Musette's—it has, like hers, something turned up in its appearance. What's that? (finding a belt on the chimney) A belt—indeed—Musette's very size. Ah! My God! Is it? Let's see. (continues to pry about)

    Rodolphe (outside, shouting)
    Baptiste, my key!

    Marcel
    Heavens! (listens)

    Rodolphe
    Baptiste—my key—animal.

    Marcel
    I know this human instrument.

    Rodolphe (opening the door to the left)
    Isn't anyone here?

    Mimi
    Oh! It seemed to me— (listens)

    Marcel (shouting)
    Exactly.

    Rodolphe (entering to the left)
    Ah! Bah! It's you.

    Marcel
    It's me.

    Rodolphe
    It's you! It's me! It's us! Let's embrace. Loan me five francs.

    Marcel (giving him money)
    Here.

    Rodolphe
    I am yours.

    (Rodolphe and Marcel go out by the back arm in arm.)

    Mimi
    I am a mad woman! I still think I'm seeing him or hearing him.

    Baptiste (entering from the left)
    Here I am monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    That's lucky.

    Baptiste
    I was in the room opposite. I was editing. Heavens, Monsieur Marcel!

    Rodolphe (giving him money)
    Here, go—get going and bring five francs of nourishment here.

    (Baptiste leaves.)

    Marcel
    You haven't dined then?

    Rodolphe
    I missed dinner. I was on the brink of a soup—but the police came and upset it. (the half hour is heard ringing) And that poor Schaunard. When I think, that in an hour, he'll be in a cab for eleven hours.

    (Rodolphe sits down in the armchair.)

    Marcel
    Ah! What's that! Once I was fifteen days in a steam boat. Anyway, if he has the notion to come, I'll relieve his distress.

    Rodolphe
    You're a millionaire then?

    Marcel
    Almost. I have two thousand francs invested. There, in my suitcase, two thousand francs, in Auvergnats. God, how heavy they are. But they pay well! Ah, indeed, my friend, allow me to continue my searching. I am on a track. (continues prying)

    Rodolphe
    Don't bother yourself. Well, you are reconciled?

    Marcel
    With whom?

    Rodolphe
    With Musette.

    Marcel
    Why's that?

    Rodolphe
    What do you mean, why's that?

    (Marcel has found and opened the little box.)

    Marcel
    Letters.

    Rodolphe
    Well, yours—

    Marcel
    Bah! And this bonnet—

    Rodolphe
    Hers.

    Marcel
    She's here. I suspected as much.

    Rodolphe (rising)
    You haven't seen her?

    Marcel
    Why, no. They rented me this room and gave her notice.

    Rodolphe
    It's a trick of Benoit's.

    Marcel
    She's gone!

    Rodolphe
    She'll come back. She clings to your letters.

    Marcel
    You think so? I am going to wait five minutes. And after that I'll go to Madeleine's. She'll tell me where Musette is. Let's consecrate these five minutes to friendship. You're lodging here?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, there.

    Marcel
    What do you mean, there? There's a young girl there.

    Rodolphe
    Impossible!

    Marcel
    Look!

    Rodolphe (goes to the partition, shouts)
    Ah!

    Marcel
    What?

    Rodolphe
    Mimi.

    Mimi
    Who's calling me?

    Rodolphe (with joy)
    It's Mimi.

    Marcel
    One child's found.

    Mimi (rising, going to the partition)
    Oh, I wasn't mistaken.

    Rodolphe (going close to Marcel)
    Ah, my friend.

    Mimi
    It's his voice!

    Rodolphe (leaning on Marcel
    My legs are no longer holding me up. Lend me yours.

    Marcel
    I've only got these. I need them to run after Musette.

    Rodolphe
    It's funny. I don't dare go into my room—her room. Ah! Bah! Get going. (leaves)

    Mimi
    I don't hear anything any more. Did he leave?

    (Rodolphe raps on her door.)

    Mimi (joyfully)
    That's him! Come in!

    Rodolphe (entering)
    Miss—

    Mimi (offering him her hand)
    It's me!

    Rodolphe
    Ah! I was really sure of it, my dear Mimi.

    Mimi
    Then you haven't forgotten me?

    Rodolphe
    Forget you! Oh, I thought too much about you for that.

    Mimi (joyous)
    Oh! Blessed Providence which has really wanted to bring us back together!

    Rodolphe
    Yes. That was what willed that I owed my landlord two months rent and my landlord rented the chamber to another person—and that other person was you.

    Mimi
    Ah, indeed. Aren't you astonished to see me?

    Rodolphe
    Oh! As for me, I am happy—first off. Later I will be astonished.

    Mimi
    Aren't you going to ask me any questions?

    Rodolphe
    What's the good? You're near me. Nothing else matters.

    Mimi
    Why, as for me, I don't want you to have any bad ideas—and I am going to tell you everything.

    (Rodolphe gets her a chair, makes her sit down and sits beside her.)

    Baptiste (entering from the left with a basket)
    Here's the eats. (looking around him) Nobody. (placing the basket near the chimney) This will keep it warm if they make a fire. (leaves)

    Mimi
    And now, listen to me.

    Rodolphe
    Give me your hands, I'll hear better.

    Mimi
    Here they are.

    Rodolphe (clasping her hands)
    I am listening.

    Mimi
    Since that day you came, you know?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, to ask you to get married—an idea that had no success.

    Mimi
    Since that day, I've never stopped thinking of you.

    Rodolphe
    Dear little Mimi!

    Mimi
    Perhaps it seems funny that I am saying this to you.

    Rodolphe
    No, no. Go on.

    Mimi
    I always hoped that you would come back.

    Rodolphe
    My fortune was not yet well enough established.

    Mimi
    That's what I thought. One day they suggested I go to the home of an old woman, like a companion. The idea came to me when leaving the hospice that perhaps it would provide me the opportunity of meeting you. I accepted with joy. But I wasn't slow to repent of it.

    Rodolphe
    What!

    Mimi
    The lady with whom I was living often received the visit of an old gentleman. And every time he came to the house, she always found a pretext to leave me alone with him.

    Rodolphe
    Ah, I understand.

    Mimi
    This gentlemen said things—if you knew—

    Rodolphe
    I know them by heart.

    Mimi
    At last, yesterday, when I least expected it—he took me in his arms.

    Rodolphe
    Oh!

    (Rodolphe hugs Mimi protectively.)

    Mimi
    And he embraced me.

    Rodolphe (embracing her)
    That's terrible.

    Mimi
    Madame came, and she told me that if there was another such scene, she would kick me out.

    Rodolphe (rising)
    Ah! That's very sweet.

    Mimi (also rising)
    As for me, I didn't want to remain any longer in that house. I escaped, and that's how I came here.

    Rodolphe
    Darling little Mimi, don't be afraid of anything. Before I wanted to marry you, today I want to adopt you. (after having embraced her) Will you allow me to embrace you?

    Mimi
    Why, you've already embraced me once.

    Rodolphe
    No—only twice.

    Mimi
    Oh! That's different.

    (They embrace again.)

    Rodolphe
    Goodbye, Mimi. I'm going to pack my trunks—because I must leave.

    (Rodolphe picks up his papers and puts them in his trunk.)

    Mimi
    If there were only two rooms.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, but there's only one.

    Mimi
    Ah! Don't you have a friend on the side?

    Rodolphe
    He's not alone—he's married.

    (Night begins to fall.)

    Mimi
    Well, that gentlemen will come here with you, and as for me, I will spend the night with that lady. That comes to the same thing.

    Rodolphe
    No, Mimi. It doesn't come to the same thing. I'm going.

    Mimi (going to the window)
    Ah! It's pouring.

    Rodolphe
    It's only a shower. It won't rain after tomorrow.

    Mimi
    If it were daytime—

    Rodolphe
    Yes, but it's night. I will tell them to send you some light.

    (Marcel enters abruptly into his room, candle in hand. He closes the door nosily, puts his candle by the chimney and takes off his hat.)

    Marcel
    No Musette! I am soaked.

    Mimi (to Rodolphe as he is about to leave)
    It seems to me that gentleman has returned.

    Rodolphe
    You think so? (calling) Is it you, Marcel?

    Marcel
    Heavens, you are there, you dog, you.

    Rodolphe
    Yes.

    Marcel
    The two of you?

    Rodolphe
    Yes. Also, I am changing residence. I am waiting for the shower to calm.

    Marcel
    I didn't find Musette! If you want to come lodge with me.

    Mimi
    What luck!

    Rodolphe
    May the devil take you.

    Marcel
    Ah, right. I understand.

    Mimi
    What?

    Rodolphe
    Nothing, nothing. (aside) Got to leave.

    (Noise on the stairway.)

    Musette
    I need my letters.

    Marcel
    It's Musette. (runs out the door)

    Musette (throwing herself into Marcel's arms)
    Marcel!

    Marcel
    What luck!

    (Marcel makes Musette sit down.)

    Benoit (entering)
    Madame, this is scandalous. You are no longer in your own home here.

    Marcel
    That's true. She's in my home. (going to the partition and yelling) I withdraw my hospitality, Rodolphe!

    Benoit
    What! Monsieur Rodolphe is here, too. Ah! That's too much. (leaves)

    (Marcel locks the door after him.)

    Mimi (frightened)
    He's coming here—he's going to cause a scene.

    (Mimi closes the door. Benoit, outside, rapping on the door to the right.)

    Benoit
    Leave monsieur. You are no longer at home here.

    Rodolphe
    No, I am at the home of the young lady.

    Benoit
    This is scandalous.

    Rodolphe
    Calm down. I'm pulling up anchor.

    Marcel
    And now, let's eat.

    (Aided by Musette, they set the table, pull out the food from the hamper and eat.)

    Musette (rising)
    And Rodolphe?

    Marcel (holding her back)
    He's not eating.

    Rodolphe
    Goodbye, Mimi.

    Mimi
    You are leaving?

    Rodolphe
    I am going to send you Musette and take her place. (aside) It's not going to be all the same like I was saying, but still— (aloud) Look, Mimi, I could perhaps stay—but compromising you—for I ordinarily keep my word—but I'm twenty-two and you are eighteen. Oh, Mimi—I'm going.

    (The orchestra is heard.)

    Mimi
    We won't see each other again until tomorrow. (Rodolphe hugs her again) Happily the nights are short.

    (Rodolphe leaves with his suitcase.)

    Rodolphe (rapping on Marcel's door)
    Marcel, open for me.

    Marcel
    Huh?

    Rodolphe
    You've go to.

    Musette
    You're making fun of everybody.

    Rodolphe
    Marcel. Don't consult Musette. Consult Morality.

    Marcel (rising and moving the table to a corner)
    I'm consulting my heart. I'm not opening. (kneeling to Musette)

    Rodolphe
    No stupidities. (raps loudly)

    Marcel
    Rap on the other door. (hugs Musette.)

    (Mimi is near the bed.)

    Rodolphe (outside)
    Mimi, it's me.

    (Mimi remains speechless.)

    CURTAIN


    ACT III

    Musette's place.

    A room, door at the back and both sides. On each side a couch. A table against the left wall. Chimney to the left. In the back right, a console-table. Chairs, armchairs, a small stool.

    AT RISE, Musette is stretched on a sofa reading and smoking. Mimi, on the left, is finishing a wreath.

    Musette
    Ah, indeed! You'll work all your life?

    Mimi
    Ah, leave me alone. When I come to see you, I can't just do nothing. I work much better here than in our little room.

    Musette
    You will die; you aren't so well already and since I've known you, I've never seen you rest for a day.

    Mimi
    Well, Rodolphe is not rich.

    Musette (rising)
    And why isn't he rich? It's stupid—men who don't have a sou.

    Mimi (also rising)
    Ah! Musette!

    Musette
    It's true, indeed. With them you always have to be frugal.

    Mimi
    Still, it seems to me you are not.

    Musette
    You think so? Well, my little one, since the birth of those two thousand francs, we've lived like skin-flints.

    Mimi
    You—with a servant.

    Musette
    Baptiste? Is he a serious servant? He's good at nothing. He hasn't even (thoughtlessly) the intelligence for love letters.

    Mimi (astonished)
    What do you mean?

    Musette
    Nothing I will tell you about.

    Mimi
    Say, Musette, you recall the day after you got Marcel back? You gave a pretty jar of pansies.

    Musette
    Yes.

    Mimi
    You promised to love as long as the flowers lived. You won't take on more.

    Musette
    It's true.

    Mimi
    But a few days later you secretly watered them so they wouldn't die.

    Musette
    Yes, I regretted not having chosen immortals.

    Mimi (low)
    Have you stopped watering your flowers?

    Musette (embarrassed)
    Why—I think that—

    Mimi
    Is it that you no longer love Marcel?

    Musette
    Yes. He's a nice boy, but he'll never get anywhere.

    Mimi
    He will get somewhere.

    Musette
    Well, when he gets there—perhaps I'll return.

    Mimi
    What do you mean?

    Musette (laughing)
    Heavens, don't pay attention. I am in my day of ambition. The wind is in cashmeres.

    Mimi
    Oh, lower; Marcel is there with Rodolphe. (pointing to the room at the right) If he were to hear— (puts her wreath in her box, low to Musette) Look, Musette, don't have such wicked thoughts. If you deceive that poor lad, he would be capable of dying.

    Musette (laughing, aside)
    He'd have been dead long ago. (aloud) Do you think people really die of love?

    Mimi
    Indeed, yes. If Rodolphe were to leave me, I would die. Yes, I am sure of it. (as if to herself) If I don't die before—

    Musette
    Ah! My God! How gay all these people are!

    Mimi
    Pardon me?

    Musette
    No, indeed, it's I who am an egoist, but it's not my fault. Boredom is killing me. I can't endure it. God made me that way. (sings) I love what shines, I love what resonates. Gold in joyous reflections, Whatever in life Gleams in poetry To the ear or the eye. I love drunken folly Which ceaselessly Livens up Love and desire And the burning fevers Which make lips Red with pleasure. I love what shines, I love what resonates.

    Mimi
    Well, today, you will be happy since you are giving a soiree.

    Musette
    You call it a soiree? There's not even a milord at the door. The guests are arriving on foot and going away giddy. (laughing) I told you I was having a bad day, but it's over—and whatever happens, I will still be Musette. (aside) At least until morning.

    Mimi
    Yes, go. Don't think any more about that, and love Marcel well, since you can't be prevented from it.

    Musette
    Well, is there someone who wants to prevent you from loving Rodolphe?

    Mimi (troubled)
    No—no— (aside) Anyway, they'd be wasting their time.

    (Musette goes to sit on the couch at the left. Baptiste enters from the back with a letter. He approaches Mimi.)

    Baptiste
    Miss, a letter from Monsieur Durandin. Hush. (gives it to her secretly)

    Mimi (aside, hiding the letter)
    Again!

    Baptiste (going to Musette)
    Miss, milord's valet is below.

    Mimi (reading, low)
    “If you decide . . . tonight at eleven . . . by the small gate . . . a bay coupe with two white horses . . . “ (coming to) No, it's the—

    Musette (bursting into laughter)
    My God! How stupid this Baptiste is.

    (Baptiste goes back to Mimi.)

    Mimi (aside)
    Me, forget Rodolphe, how can I? (low to Baptiste) You will return this letter to Monsieur Durandin, as you have returned the others. That's my only response.

    Baptiste
    Fine, Miss. (aside) I know what I have to do.

    (Marcel and Rodolphe leave the room at the right. Marcel reads a paper. Rodolphe goes to Mimi.)

    Mimi (packing her box)
    I'm going to take the wreath to the store, do you hear? Bye.

    (Rodolphe hugs her and she leaves by the right.)

    Marcel (reading)
    “The supper will come from the stores of Chevet, the sherbets from the drink-maker Blanche, the flowers, Madame Prevost.” (to Musette) What do you think of it?

    Musette
    It's not bad.

    Marcel
    And you, Rodolphe?

    Rodolphe
    It seems mythological to me, dazzling, but this artistic festivity is going to cost you dearly.

    Marcel
    Four hundred francs almost!

    Musette (rising)
    Ah!

    Rodolphe
    The Devil! Are you still really rich?

    Marcel
    Damn! For two months we've been living with such economy.

    Musette
    Indeed, it's quite true.

    (Baptiste sits on the couch at the left.)

    Rodolphe (laughing)
    Strict superfluity.

    Marcel
    Leave me alone. I don't even have a black suit. I'm going to need to get one to receive the white vest of an influential critic. But we have no time to lose, Baptiste.

    Baptiste (rising and leaving his book)
    Sir.

    Marcel (giving him a paper)
    Here's a list of orders. Don't forget anything.

    Baptiste
    No, monsieur. I never forget anything. Ah, by the way, here's a paper I was just given. It's for Madame. (giving it to Musette)

    Musette
    Again?

    Marcel
    What is it?

    Musette
    Prospectuses for new magazines. I never read them.

    (Musette gives the paper to Marcel and goes to sit at the right. Baptiste goes to sit at the left and resumes his reading.)

    Marcel (opening the paper)
    Ah, good—oh, fine, ah, very well!

    Rodolphe (looking at the paper)
    Why, it's a court paper.

    Musette
    Court paper!

    Marcel (to Musette)
    They are funny—your new magazines. Listen to what they express—1846, the 25th of October—at the request of—your upholster—

    Musette (rising)
    What's that mean?

    Marcel
    It means that you thought your furniture was paid for and it is not— that's all.

    Musette (aside)
    Fie! A vicomte. (aloud) I am shocked.

    Marcel
    It's not until tomorrow morning that it will be repossessed.

    Rodolphe
    Ah, fine, then—

    Marcel (to Baptiste)
    Why, how is it that you didn't know all this? When did they come to repossess?

    (Musette sits down again.)

    Baptiste (without rising)
    Repossess? Ah, I've got it. A few days ago, I was alone at the house, and a very thin gentleman, in a very loose outfit came here and took an inventory in the name of the law.

    Marcel
    Why didn't you say anything?

    Baptiste
    Oh—I didn't attach any importance to it.

    Marcel
    He's got to be paid! We will give a reckoning. It's going to upset our plans for economy. Anyway, let's see where we are. (to Baptiste) Baptiste, go find the strong box.

    Baptiste
    Yes, monsieur.

    (Exit Baptiste by the left. Enter Colline at the back.)

    Rodolphe
    Ah! There's Colline.

    (Musette rises.)

    Colline
    Hello, my friends. (goes to Musette) Suffer that I kiss your hand on the person of your cheek. (kissing her face)

    (Baptiste enters with the strong box.)

    Baptiste (placing the strong box on the round table)
    Sir, it's really very light.

    Marcel
    There's nothing in it except bills. Colline, you are going to be present at the autopsy.

    Musette (after opening the box)
    Ah!

    Marcel
    What's the matter?

    Musette
    There's nothing there at all.

    Baptiste
    Pardon me, there's a spider.

    Marcel
    Why, we can't have spent two thousand francs in two months. We must verify our expenses. Baptiste, bring the housekeeping books. (Baptiste goes out left, carrying the strong box) We will find the error.

    Musette (bitterly)
    It's not always what I bought that could—

    Marcel
    Musette—reproaches.

    Musette
    Me! There was some money, now there isn't. What do I care?

    (Musette goes and sits on the other couch and smokes a cigarette. Baptiste returns with an enormous register.)

    Baptiste
    Here it is, monsieur.

    (Baptiste places it on the round table, then goes to the couch and smokes a cigarette.)

    Marcel
    Let's see. (opens the register) August 22—received in cash two thousand francs. August 23—a Turkish pipe—twenty-five francs. Purchase of two little Chinese condemned to be thrown in the Yellow River—two francs fifty.

    Colline
    The necessity of buying back the Chinese—if at least it had been Eau de vie.

    Marcel
    August 24—dinner at forty sous. Musette and I—twenty-two francs. August 25—gave five francs to Baptiste for his wages. (Baptiste nods) August 26—Six francs to Baptiste—

    Musette (rising)
    You gave often to Baptiste.

    Marcel
    August 27—a monkey—seventy francs. A parakeet—one hundred fifty francs.

    Colline
    A monkey!

    Rodolphe
    A parakeet! I never knew you had one.

    Marcel
    The day they came the monkey died from indigestion caused by having eaten the parakeet. August 28—gave Baptiste—

    All
    Ah!

    Marcel
    Three francs, ten sous. (closing the register) There's nothing else noted.

    Rodolphe
    As to the rest, it's clear. Yes, if it was like that a long time.

    (Baptiste rises.)

    Musette
    Yes, that explains it; it was all given to Baptiste! But, what did he do with so much money?

    Rodolphe
    For certain, he's got a secret vice.

    Colline
    He's protecting a dancing girl.

    Marcel
    Come, the situation is clear. The upholster won't get his payment, but we are going to give a superb party.

    Colline
    By the way, you must lend me a white cravat so I can do you honor.

    Marcel
    Willingly, but you will lend me your black suit, so I can do honor to your white tie.

    Colline
    My suit? Why don't you wear your own?

    Marcel
    There's only a flap left.

    Colline
    Oh, being well brushed. And then, besides, what will I wear?

    Marcel
    I allow you to come casual.

    Rodolphe (laughing)
    You'll only stay a moment.

    Marcel
    Just time for a quick glance around.

    Colline
    You are charming. Lend my black suit. You want me to have to come in shirtsleeves.

    Musette
    That doesn't matter. You'll pass for a servant.

    Rodolphe
    A faithful servant.

    Marcel
    As for me, you understand—appearances. (taking Colline's suite off him) Come on, make these gentlemen see you imitating Saint Martin.

    Colline (resisting)
    No indeed, no indeed. Anyway, I need it. I have to go give a lesson to an Indian prince who has come to Paris to learn Arabic.

    Musette
    An Indian prince! Does he have diamonds?

    Colline
    All over his body. He is—

    Musette
    You must bring him to our party.

    Colline
    I'll try.

    Musette
    We'll put in the candles—that will make them shine.

    (Marcel, after taking Colline's suit, gives him an overcoat.)

    Marcel
    Here, here's another vestment. It's even more solemn than a suit. (helps him to put it on)

    Colline
    Say, Musette, does this envelope go well with me?

    Musette (choking with laughter)
    Perfectly. (low to Marcel) He looks like a coachman who has lost his coach.

    Marcel (embracing Musette)
    Your gayety has returned. You were paining me just now.

    Musette (touched)
    Poor boy. (aside) Indeed, there's still time.

    (Schaunard enters from the back, breathless.)

    Schaunard
    My friends, offer me a seat, I am ill. (Marcel brings him a chair) Baptiste, a stool for my feet. (Baptiste brings him one) (bursting out) God! How sweet it is! If you knew what's just happened to me. I must be quite pale.

    Baptiste
    No, monsieur. You are all yellow.

    Schaunard
    Baptiste, take flight! (Baptiste leaves by the rear) All yellow—it's showing itself already. It's Phemie who has colored me this way.

    Musette
    On the subject of Phemie—where is she?

    Schaunard
    You won't see her any more. I've broken with her.

    Musette
    Broken!

    Schaunard
    Yes, broke my cane—a superb cane of Malaysia wood. The binding and the bamboo no longer hold together.

    Rodolphe
    My poor Schaunard! Phemie's done it again.

    Schaunard
    Always—it's a habit. Here's the thing.

    All
    Let's see!

    (Marcel sits on the couch at the right, Musette on the arm next to him, Colline on the little stool that Schaunard has his feet on. Rodolphe remains standing.)

    Schaunard
    I noticed that Phemie's bellicose tastes were increasing more and more. This morning, as I entered her place, I was assailed by suspicions. Something told me that a troop had come in my absence. I questioned Phemie with my Malacca cane. In the heat of the discussion, she let the proof of her crime drop from her pocket. And here's that proof. (pulls out an artillery pompom)

    Musette
    What's that?

    Schaunard
    It's a pompom—belongs to the artillery. My Malacca cane spoke again and Phemie confessed to me that, indeed, she had received a visit from her godfather. He smells of powder, I told her—the wretch! A young woman who receives an artillery man in an honest house—it's scandalous. Finishing these words, my Malacca cane broke in two. I offered the pieces to Phemie as a souvenir of me—and I left her forever, carrying off this warrior's ornament. That's how it came about. I have neither Phemie nor my cane any more!

    Colline
    Poor lad!

    Rodolphe
    Phemie was reading the Victories and Conquests too often.

    Marcel
    Ah, indeed. Why, it's the devil who's mixing in it today.

    Schaunard
    What's happened to you?

    Marcel
    Court papers have been introduced into our lives.

    Musette (laughing)
    All my furniture's under the gavel of the law.

    Schaunard
    Really. (reproachfully) That's the imprudence of having furniture in your home. What are you going to do?

    Musette
    It's the work of chance.

    Marcel
    The most embarrassing thing is that we don't have a sou and the execution of the program for our party demands four hundred francs. (showing a paper)

    Schaunard
    Four hundred francs—why, that's a slice of Peru. (taking the paper) Ices—one hundred francs for ices—that's dear for ices. I'd suppress them. People who want them can bring 'em themselves. (scratches it out) There's already one hundred francs saved.

    Marcel
    Three hundred francs remain.

    Schaunard
    What do I see? Truffles—everywhere, in everything. Roe, pheasant, salmon, lobster. Why not whalebone right away? Ah, indeed, why, it's a Noah's Ark, your supper. One finds all the animals here. This is all fixed. I am replacing the truffles, the lobster, the pheasant, etc., with a varied course of sausages. Your supper will cost ten francs. Entertainment, lighting, and refreshments—ten francs. Total twenty francs. That's twenty francs discovered—we've really discovered America.

    Marcel
    That's it. Tally ho! After it.

    All
    Tally ho! After it.

    Musette
    I am leaving with you.

    Marcel
    Where are you going?

    Musette
    They told me about velours at eight francs a meter. I've got to see that. (putting on her veil and hat)

    Marcel
    Ah—very well.

    Musette
    Marcel, your arm.

    Marcel
    Tally ho!

    All
    Tally ho!

    Together (singing)
    As always, making common cause, Bold adventurers for pleasure. We run through all the City's quarters To meet fortune's steps.

    (They leave by the back. Rodolphe's going to go also, but Baptiste enters from the left and detains him.)

    Rodolphe
    What do you want with me?

    Baptiste
    Since this morning I've sought an opportunity to speak to you alone. (showing letters) I've made a discovery, monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    Letters?

    Baptiste
    Yes, monsieur—addressed to Miss Mimi.

    Rodolphe
    Give them to me. (takes them)

    Baptiste
    I am counting on you not to say that it's I who—

    Rodolphe
    Don't worry. Leave me.

    Baptiste
    Yes, monsieur. (aside) My word. Since Monsieur Durandin proved to me what Monsieur Rodolphe's future could be—literature will absolve me!

    (Baptiste leaves by the left)

    Rodolphe (alone, running through the letters)
    What do these letters signify? Offers—promises—if she wants to leave me—no signatures—they tell her to leave me—to engage me to go to Madame de Rouvre's ball on Tuesday. She's said nothing to me about it. Perhaps she's tempted to accept. And yet, if this life of privations were to kill her? (Mimi come in from the back) It's her. (hides the letters)

    Mimi
    Ah, you didn't go. So much the better.

    Rodolphe
    Did you have to speak to me?

    Mimi
    No. I have to kiss you. (Rodolphe kisses her) I am annoyed. They didn't pay me at the department store. It's the third time. It's as if it were intentional. Madame is out. She thinks I have income.

    Rodolphe
    Don't be troubled.

    Mimi
    Oh—villainous money! How happy we would be if we didn't need it.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, you are right. It's the source of all our troubles. I fear, indeed, that Marcel will soon no longer be noticed by Musette. For one thing, she regrets her past life.

    Mimi (with constraint)
    Oh, you could be mistaken.

    Rodolphe
    After all, we would be egoists if we demanded that you remain faithful to us. In the early days, we say: Patience, perhaps better times will come. But these days are so long in coming—to keep you waiting for them—then—one night, you are alone, sad, sulking, seated in a corner of the chimney with no fire—love dozes off, ambition awakens and one glimpses in imagination the paradise of luxury and pleasure where those who are rich can give entry to those who are beautiful.

    Musette
    Why say this to me?

    Rodolphe
    Because it is the truth. Love is a fragile sentiment which dies in a room where the thermometer drops below zero. Ah, poverty—it's the death of everything.

    Mimi (taking Rodolphe's hand)
    Why say this to me?

    Rodolphe
    Do you really love me, Mimi?

    Mimi
    Can you ask that?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, today you really love me. I believe it.

    Mimi
    Today more than yesterday and tomorrow more than today—and like that always, right up to the end.

    Rodolphe
    To the end of what?

    Mimi
    Of the world.

    Rodolphe
    Don't engage yourself too much. Who knows?

    Mimi
    You doubt what I tell you? What have I done to you?

    (Mimi coughs and sits on the couch at the right.)

    Rodolphe (aside)
    That cough again! (aloud) Listen, my girl, you are good and devoted, but as I don't want you to deceive me later, I don't wish to deceive you today. We are going to be really wretched. And tomorrow, it's winter!

    Mimi (laughing)
    Winter—the carnival—Mardi Gras. (tapping him on the cheeks) We will make crepes and you will have some.

    Rodolphe
    Musette also was like you in the beginning. She laughed up her nose at misery and passed up dining well. But the day came, when she didn't know how to pass up ribbons.

    Mimi
    I am not Musette.

    Rodolphe
    For you—so frail—so delicate—our life is full of dangers. Oh, you see, Mimi, I love you so much that rather than see you unhappy with me, I would prefer—yes!—I would prefer to see you happy with someone else.

    Mimi
    And this is how you love me?

    Rodolphe
    Pardon me. It's a presentiment. My heart is beating like a tocsin signaling the approach of danger. (Mimi coughs in her handkerchief) You are more ill.

    Mimi (rising)
    No—you are frightening yourself for nothing. This autumn, again, you were afraid. Well the leaves have fallen—

    Rodolphe (aside)
    Not all.

    Mimi (gaily)
    Indeed, you see, it's stupidities I don't believe in. And then, anyway, if I was ill from the malady that causes death with yellow leaves, we will go live in a fir woods where the leaves are always green.

    Rodolphe (pressing her to his heart)
    Oh, my darling Mimi! You are all that I love in the world—and all who love me, perhaps. You are my youth, and my living poetry. Yet, I say again, consider, and whatever happens, I pardon you in advance.

    (Music from the orchestra.)

    Mimi
    Shut up!

    (Mimi embraces Rodolphe. Baptiste enters from the left.)

    Baptiste (aside)
    Ah, it seems it didn't work.

    Rodolphe
    Goodbye, till—soon.

    (Rodolphe leaves by the back.)

    Mimi
    What's the matter with him? And what do his words signify?

    Baptiste (aside)
    The nephew gone, the uncle can enter.

    (Baptiste goes to the door at the left and makes a sign. Durandin appears.)

    Baptiste (to Durandin, low)
    Sir, the story of the letters didn't produce any effect.

    Durandin (low)
    Fine. Get out.

    (Baptiste leaves by the back.)

    Mimi (turning)
    Someone!

    Durandin
    Hello, Miss.

    Mimi
    Sir.

    Durandin
    You don't know me? I am going to make myself known. I will be brief. We don't have much time to talk because I don't want them to know I came. So, you understand, not a word to my nephew.

    Mimi
    You are Rodolphe's uncle?

    Durandin (sitting on the couch at the right)
    It has that appearance. Why haven't you replied to my letters?

    Mimi
    Demon. You want me to leave Rodolphe. If you think that's easy—

    Durandin
    I will help you. Look, let's not play games. How much do you need?

    Mimi
    Why, I'm not asking anything of you.

    Durandin
    She's very expensive. (fumbling in his wallet) Would you take two thousand francs?

    Mimi
    Two thousand francs? What for?

    Durandin
    So that you will leave in peace. My nephew and I—

    Mimi
    I am not torturing him, monsieur. I love him, that's all. It's not forbidden for me to love him.

    Durandin
    Well, as for me. I forbid you to do it. Will you take three thousand francs?

    Mimi
    No.

    Durandin
    It's not worth the trouble, is it? You love my fifty thousand francs of income more. But you're miscalculating, miss. For I warn you, I will disinherit him if he marries you.

    Mimi
    But, he isn't going to marry me. I don't know why you are saying all this to me. I've always worked. I ask nothing better than always to work.

    Durandin (holding his watch)
    Look, miss—the Bourse closes at three o'clock. Will you decide?

    Mimi
    Leave Rodolphe? But, I cannot so long as he wants to keep me. I am only happy since I've been with him.

    Durandin
    You will be happy with someone else. You are sweet. With what I am offering you—

    Mimi
    But I don't want anyone else. Could I love someone else? What you say to me is comical. It seems to me I am having a bad dream.

    Durandin
    Let's pass the stage of folly.

    Mimi
    My God! Why are you after me like this? What have I done to you? (coughs)

    Durandin
    Why, what the devil! You must clearly understand that this is not a situation for Rodolphe. He cannot remain with you all his life.

    Mimi
    All my life. It won't be long. (coughs again)

    Durandin
    What's that supposed to mean?

    Mimi
    Look, monsieur, leave him to me another month and then he will be free.

    Durandin
    A month? The end of November. You have a bill to pay?

    Mimi
    No, monsieur. I have no debts. I have only some to pay to God.

    Durandin
    And the due date approaches? That's very sentimental, but I don't trust such grand phrases. You won't die. There are honest women who will die—

    Mimi
    This is frightful. You shouldn't treat me like this. I don't deserve it. (weeps)

    Durandin (aside)
    I've been too far from the mark. I'll never bring it to a conclusion this way. (aloud) Look, my child, let's talk reason. You think I'm hard-hearted. You're mistaken. It's my affection for Rodolphe which makes me talk like this, for it's a question of a future for him. And, since you love him—

    Mimi
    Oh, yes. I love him.

    Durandin
    Well, you ought to understand me. He needs to see the world—to become known—

    Mimi
    But I am not preventing him. If you think it will harm him to be seen with me, we'll never go out together. He shall keep all his money. I do not ask better. What I earn will suffice me to live; I don't eat much.

    Durandin
    No, no, we don't understand each other. My nephew will never accept that treaty. He will stick around you—and that will finish him. He would have been able to have a position, and he will vegetate eventually—and it's you who will be the cause of it.

    Mimi
    But I am not preventing him from working.

    Durandin
    You are not preventing him—you think that work of intelligence and needlework are the same thing. In a life of torments and privations at all times, intelligence becomes exhausted and comes to curse those who caused it.

    Mimi
    Oh, monsieur, don't say that to me.

    Durandin
    Yes, he will curse you, for you will have done more than to kill him— you will have killed his dream.

    Mimi (broken)
    Enough, enough, I beg you. I will do whatever you wish.

    Durandin
    Good. He must stop loving you. He mustn't find in you a simple, resigned girl, but an ambitious, demanding woman.

    Mimi
    I don't know how—

    Durandin
    He must. The happiness, the whole life, of Rodolphe that you say you love, depends on it. You hesitate? You don't love him.

    Mimi
    I will obey you. I will try, at least.

    Durandin
    That's fine, that's fine, my child. You won't repent of it.

    Mimi
    Ah, you revolt me. I want nothing, monsieur. Do you plainly understand? I don't want to be paid. I want Rodolphe to owe his happiness to me.

    (Mimi falls on the couch at the right and weeps in her hands. Baptiste comes in from the back with lit candelabras.)

    Baptiste (low to Durandin)
    Sir, I noticed Monsieur Rodolphe and Monsieur Marcel at the end of the street. You've only time enough to get back in the same road.

    (Baptiste goes to light the candelabras on the chimney.)

    Durandin (low)
    That's fine. (to Mimi) Goodbye, Miss. Remember. (aside) Pooh! She will console herself.

    (Durandin leaves by the left, followed by Baptiste.)

    Mimi (alone, weeping)
    I was too happy. It couldn't last. I was hoping to retain my happiness for a while, and now it must end right away. (rising) But, My God! What's Rodolphe going to think? He's going to think I'm an egoist—and yet, if I do as I am ordered, that's what I am not—and then—I fear that he will only detest me later.

    (Mimi hears a noise and dries her tears. Marcel and Rodolphe enter by the back. Musette enters behind them.)

    Marcel
    Nothing?

    Rodolphe
    Nothing at all.

    Marcel
    It's not enough.

    Musette (aside)
    The carriage is there.

    (Musette takes off her shawl and hat and sits on the couch at the right.)

    Marcel
    Not the least entertainment to offer our guests. At least if they could conduct the seizure during the party—that at least would pass for a surprise.

    Rodolphe
    Happily, as Schaunard says, there remains the most frank cordiality between us.

    Marcel
    Yes, we must deploy much wit and verve. Musette, we are counting on you—you will replace the refreshments.

    Musette (dully as she rises)
    Oh, impossible, my dear. I only have wit with champagne.

    Marcel
    Musette, you slander yourself. We know you. We also know Mimi. We know that you are never more devoted than in adversity.

    Rodolphe (to Mimi)
    Marcel's right, isn't he? Why, what's the matter with you?

    Mimi (aside)
    Look, it's got to be done.

    Rodolphe (low)
    Are you thinking about what I told you?

    Mimi (with effort)
    Yes, I think you neglect too much acquaintances who could be useful to you.

    Rodolphe (astonished)
    Ah!

    Mimi (aside)
    Courage.

    Rodolphe
    I thought to please you. I didn't want to leave you alone. So, I received an invitation for next Tuesday, and—

    Mimi (excitedly)
    You must go.

    Rodolphe (aside)
    Ah! My God! (aloud) You advise me to do that?

    Mimi (coldly)
    Yes.

    Marcel
    Still, all hope is not lost. Schaunard is going to come. Come on, Musette, it's time to think of dressing.

    Musette
    I'm already dressed.

    Marcel
    What do you mean? You are going to present yourself before an influential critic in clothes of such simplicity?

    Musette
    What do you want me to put on? Lend me some trousers then.

    Marcel
    It seems to me I have heard of a certain dress which made your natural satin shine outstandingly.

    Musette
    My blue velour dress? Ah, indeed, it's long gone. You are astonished, the rest of you?

    Marcel
    But—

    Musette
    You really thought—?

    Rodolphe
    And you, Mimi, what are you going to wear?

    Mimi
    The same thing, as always.

    Rodolphe
    It's not my fault, Mimi.

    (Mimi turns to hide her tears.)

    Musette
    Ah! My God! No one is mad at you for it, but it is annoying.

    Marcel
    Musette, are you going to have an outburst of grandeur?

    Marcel
    It's true—it's revolting. I've just met Marguerite—a girl as ugly as the seven sins—and skinny as Sunday. Well, she's dragging the train of a Duchess.

    (Marcel sits down on the sofa at right.)

    Rodolphe
    Mimi, have you, too, met Marguerite?

    Mimi (with effort)
    Yes.

    Rodolphe (after a gesture)
    Mimi, (taking her hand) whatever happens, I forgive you, you know?

    Mimi (sobbing aside)
    Oh my God! My God!

    (Mimi sits on the couch at left.)

    Rodolphe (low to Marcel)
    Let's give each other a handshake, my friend.

    Marcel
    Yes, that's been hatching since yesterday. It's going to break out of its shell.

    Rodolphe
    I told you so—their love resembles that of swallows—it flies off when the first frost comes.

    Marcel
    Well, so be it.

    (Schaunard enters cautiously from the back.)

    Schaunard (aside)
    Let's rejoice in their surprise. (let's a five-franc piece fall) They didn't hear it. (drops another, the same immobility) They are petrified.

    (Schaunard comes between Rodolphe and Marcel and drops a coin in front of each of them.)

    Rodolphe (emerging from his revery)
    Ah! It's you?

    Marcel (indifferently)
    You found it?

    Schaunard
    And that's all. Is this the way you receive (picking up the coins) these noble strangers?

    Rodolphe
    We are sad.

    Schaunard
    Somebody died here?

    Marcel (low)
    Musette's love.

    Rodolphe
    Mimi's love.

    Schaunard
    Ah! Bah! We are all mortal. Anyway, the party won't take place? (Marcel gestures no) But, your guests are going to be arriving. It's time, and after the brilliant promises you made, you will ruin your reputation. (striking his head) Ah! There's one way—charcoal.

    (Schaunard runs and takes a piece of charcoal from the table.)

    Marcel
    What are you going to do?

    Schaunard
    I'm going to save your honor.

    (Schaunard opens the door and writes on the outside. Baptiste enters from the right and approaches Musette.)

    Baptiste (to Musette, low)
    The carriage is going to leave.

    Musette (low)
    Tell them to wait a bit longer. (exit Baptiste) (aside) Poor Marcel. Ah! Bah! Perhaps I bring him bad luck.

    (Musette leaves through the open door without being seen.)

    Rodolphe (going to Marcel)
    Tuesday, are you going to Madame de Rouvre's?

    Marcel
    What will you be doing there?

    (Rodolphe looks at Mimi who remains dreaming.)

    Rodolphe (low)
    Forgetting.

    (Schaunard has come to take two candles from the candelabras. He sticks them on the outside of the door after opening the two sides of the door.)

    Schaunard
    There! (reading what he has written in black letters) “Postponed because of divorce.” (hearing the noise of people arriving, he shuts the door) They're coming. It's them. Silence.

    (The noise stops on the stairway.)

    A voice (outside, reading)
    “Postponed because of divorce.”

    (A general cry of disappointment outside.)

    Schaunard
    That's the voice of the influential critic. We are lost.

    CURTAIN


    ACT IV

    At the home of Madame de Rouvre.

    A richly lit room with many candelabras. Door at the back giving on another room lit with chandeliers. Two doors on the right. On the left a door and a window, torches left and right. A round table at the left next to the couch. Armchairs. Two etageres with vases. On the one on the right a richly decorated album.

    AT RISE, we can hear the music of a ball.

    (Colline and Schaunard enter from opposite sides.)

    Schaunard (entering from the back)
    Heavens! Colline, of all people.

    Colline
    Heavens! Schaunard disguised as a man well turned out.

    Schaunard
    Madame de Rouvre begged me to play the piano, and from friendship for Rodolphe— But still, it's the last time. It bores me to go into society. It involves expenses. I came by bus.

    Colline
    You took a tour of the salons. What do you say of this party?

    Schaunard
    It lacks punch. How did you get here?

    Colline
    By way of the quays.

    (Colline pulls a book from his pocket.)

    Schaunard
    Did you see Rodolphe?

    Colline
    Where's that?

    Schaunard
    Here. He must come. He's late, but I understand. They are forgetting each other. Rodolphe went to dine with Marcel at the Cafe Anglais.

    Colline
    No!

    Schaunard
    It's the uncle who is the host.

    Colline
    Monsieur Durandin. I walk on the ugly rope of surprise.

    Schaunard
    Why, don't you know anything? Rodolphe is now in good with his uncle. A paper, continually well informed, is announcing his marriage with Madame de Rouvre as approaching very soon.

    Colline
    Are you jesting with philosophy?

    Schaunard (taking his arm and walking with him)
    Not in the least. Here's the story. She's as sad as anything. The divorce has been put into execution. Musette escaped through the keyhole of the lock and Rodolphe has left Mimi. I've been charged to obtain news of the little one—and she is always ill, she feels sick. That softens me. I've stationed her there.

    Colline
    Why, then this is a debacle of love?

    Schaunard
    Musette is the fiancée of a lord of high rank. I met her the other day, beside her Englishman, in a superb carriage. He's a well brought-up man. He invited me to dinner. They are properly lodged.

    Collins
    And Rodolphe?

    Schaunard
    His uncle is tossing money at all hands to distract him. Rodolphe shares everything with Marcel—and for the last two days they've been superb times. They resemble fashion engravings. They are doing like me, they are trying to drown their love. Oh, Phemie! (Baptiste, in grand livery and bearing a plate, enters by the back) What's that?

    Baptiste
    Ices, monsieur.

    Schaunard
    And the punch?

    Baptiste
    I no longer have any, monsieur. These ladies have taken it all.

    Schaunard
    Heavens, it's Baptiste!

    Baptiste
    Alas! Yes, monsieur.

    (Colline gives Baptiste a handshake.)

    Schaunard
    Baptiste in livery, ah, fie!

    Baptiste
    Sir, I was ambitious, and I am indeed punished. This life is unsupportable! Everything is agreed and arranged in advance. They lunch at noon and dine at night—every night. I can never accustom myself to a regime like that.

    Schaunard
    Return with us, then. That will change you.

    Baptiste
    I dream of it, monsieur, but I would like to return with titles to your esteem, for I've done wrongs, monsieur. You will learn of them sooner or later.

    Schaunard
    I will pardon you for them on one simple condition. You are going to find me some punch.

    Baptiste
    They're going to make some, monsieur. But, while waiting, would you like an ice? (exits)

    Colline
    Who's coming there? Ah, it's Rodolphe and Marcel.

    Schaunard (aside)
    I don't want them to recognize me. I'm going to put on gloves. (puts one on)

    (Marcel and Rodolphe, very elegant with monocles, enter from the back.)

    Marcel
    Shall we enter?

    Rodolphe
    In a moment. I was afraid of not being gentleman enough.

    Marcel
    Colline.

    Rodolphe
    Schaunard.

    (Rodolphe shakes hands with Schaunard.)

    Schaunard (aside)
    I've been recognized. I might as well take off my mask. (removes his glove)

    Colline (contemplating them)
    The portrait wasn't flattering. This dress is very habitable.

    Marcel
    Yes, we've made some repairs.

    Colline
    The rumor runs through the Bourse that you've dined at the Cafe Anglais. They believe it's a cataclysm and they're rushing to sell.

    Marcel
    Come on, Monsieur Durandin does things agreeably.

    Rodolphe
    My word, yes. It's very nice at that tavern. You can dine for fifteen francs.

    Schaunard
    How many times?

    Marcel
    Once—without wine.

    Schaunard
    Without wine!

    Rodolphe
    We shall return there, right, Marcel?

    Marcel
    Our means permit us to. (pats his pocket)

    Schaunard
    If we were to return there right away?

    Rodolphe
    We will sup there, if you like, after leaving here.

    Colline
    We'll have supper twice?

    Schaunard
    I don't see any inconvenience. Anyway, it will be lunch, for it's soon going to be tomorrow morning.

    Rodolphe
    Well, it's agreed.

    Schaunard
    It's not a joke. You have official stocks and ready money.

    Marcel
    It is stitched with gold.

    Schaunard
    It must be unstitched. I ask to see how it is made. (taking some gold pieces from Rodolphe's vest) How pretty, these medals— To think there is a country where these are pebbles! I had a relative who picked up a good many, but he wound up in the clutches of some savages. (to Rodolphe) I'll owe you these. I met a Russian in the game room. I am going to avenge Poland!

    (Schaunard bows to Monsieur Durandin, who he meets as he leaves by the back. Durandin enters accompanied by a servant.)

    Durandin (to servant)
    You'll place everything here.

    (The servant goes out left.)

    Marcel
    Hey! It's the good Monsieur Durandin.

    Durandin (coming forward)
    Gentlemen.

    Marcel
    Monsieur Durandin, allow me to present to you Monsieur Colline, one of our friends.

    (Colline approaches Durandin.)

    Durandin (to Colline)
    Shake, monsieur, I beg you.

    (Colline, speechless, searches for words and finding none, bows awkwardly.)

    Durandin (to Rodolphe)
    Madame de Rouvre is going to be in this room with some intimate friends. We are going to take tea here. Just a few intimate friends. If you like, you can make all her admirers die of jealousy. Madame de Rouvre asks nothing better.

    Rodolphe
    As for me, I desire no one's death, Uncle.

    Durandin
    Ah, tell me, do you know the waltz?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, by reputation.

    Marcel
    The waltz is the step of the love charge.

    Colline
    What a happy definition.

    Durandin (to Rodolphe)
    You will invite Madame de Rouvre to waltz. She adores it.

    Rodolphe
    Agreed!

    Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
    But, you've never waltzed.

    Rodolphe
    That doesn't matter. I will invent a step and I will call it the step of regrets.

    Durandin
    Ah, indeed. Are you still thinking of—?

    Rodolphe
    Of Mimi? Oh, for heaven's sake! I don't even remember her name.

    Durandin
    Great! They're coming this way—be amiable.

    Rodolphe
    I will try, Uncle.

    (Durandin and Colline go off. Rodolphe and Marcel look about.)

    Rodolphe (to Marcel)
    Ah, see that young woman with roses in her hair?

    Marcel
    Right. She's the one I was looking at.

    Rodolphe
    Don't you think she resembles Mimi?

    Marcel
    No. I think she resembles Musette.

    (Enter Madame de Rouvre on the arm of a gentleman. Several guests accompany her, entering from the back. Servants enter from the left and begin serving tea.)

    Gentleman (to Madame de Rouvre)
    Madame, music has always seemed something fabulous to me. I would really have loved to be a musician.

    (Rodolphe goes to Madame de Rouvre and bows.)

    Madame de Rouvre (to Rodolphe)
    You are really late coming, monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    Madame!

    (Madame de Rouvre sits in a couch at the left near the round table with a lady. Rodolphe stands near her, speaking low. Durandin, Marcel and Colline mingle with the guests as the tea is served.)

    Madame de Rouvre (to Rodolphe)
    If I've assembled a privileged few here, it's to listen to you.

    Rodolphe
    How's that, Madame?

    Madame de Rouvre
    It's a snare, monsieur. Yesterday, the poet made me a promise and I propose to remind him of it.

    Rodolphe
    I don't understand, Madame.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You are really forgetful, monsieur.

    (Rodolphe and Madame de Rouvre continue speaking low.)

    Gentleman (in a discussion with Colline)
    What, monsieur, you know Chinese? That's fabulous. I would really have loved to know Chinese.

    Colline
    I will teach you.

    Durandin (bringing tea to Madame de Rouvre)
    Madame, will you allow me?

    Madame de Rouvre (taking the cup)
    Monsieur Durandin, doesn't your nephew owe me something?

    Durandin
    Indeed, Madame, why he owes you much—and if you like, he must owe you more in the future.

    Madame de Rouvre (to Durandin)
    I accept the madrigal. (to Rodolphe) But, I don't allow you to quit the sonnet.

    Durandin
    Ah! Yes, a sonnet. I recall.

    (Madame de Rouvre gestures to Baptiste, who brings an album.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    Look, monsieur. It gives us so much pleasure and it costs you so little.

    Rodolphe (protesting)
    Madame—mercy.

    Durandin
    We aren't listening to you.

    A Lady
    On the contrary, we are listening.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You can no longer back out.

    Marcel (to Rodolphe, laughing)
    Come on, Master Poet.

    Rodolphe (low to Marcel)
    What! You are joining my enemies?

    Marcel (to Rodolphe)
    Certainly. We mustn't let the enthusiasm cool.

    Rodolphe (low to Rodolphe)
    Ah, so that's the way it is. Wait. (to Madame de Rouvre) Madame, your desires are our orders, and here's Monsieur Marcel, one of our first artists of the pen, who demands with energy a page of your album.

    Marcel (low, pushing him)
    What the deuce are you saying?

    Madame de Rouvre
    Ah, monsieur, I don't dare to ask it of you.

    (Schaunard enters quietly and comes to sit on the couch at the right where he takes tea.)

    Marcel
    Madame—

    Durandin
    Bravo! Bravo!

    Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
    May the devil take you!

    Gentleman (to Marcel)
    You will do my profile?

    Marcel
    You don't know about drawing?

    Gentleman
    No, but I would have loved to.

    Marcel
    I was sure of it.

    (Marcel turns his back on the gentleman.)

    Durandin
    Baptiste! Pen and ink.

    Rodolphe (laughing)
    And crayons.

    (Baptiste goes to fill the request from the console on the right.)

    Madame de Rouvre (to Marcel and Rodolphe)
    Pardon us, gentlemen, but you know it's the fashion in Paris.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, it's true. In Bengal, one finds tigers; in the Atlas, lions; in the swamps of the Nile, alligators; and in the middle of Paris, lying on the soft ottomans in boudoirs hung in red, there exists something more formidable than the monsters of the desert and the seas.

    Madame de Rouvre (laughing and giving him the album)
    It's the album.

    Baptiste (bringing pens which he places on the table, low to Rodolphe)
    Here are the instruments of torture.

    All
    Listen!

    (Everyone presses around Rodolphe, who sits beside the round table.)

    Marcel (aside)
    I'm sorry I came.

    (Durandin gives a pen to Rodolphe and a crayon to Marcel.)

    Marcel
    Much obliged.

    Schaunard (aside, rising)
    Oh—the torture of the album is going to begin. I'm going to go smoke a pipe in the courtyard.

    (Schaunard sneaks out by the door at the left.)

    Marcel (aside)
    Ah—she wants a drawing. I've got my subject.

    (Marcel draws while Rodolphe writes. The orchestra plays.)

    Rodolphe (as he writes)
    The Queen, wanting to put a star in her crown, had a diver come, and said to him: “You will go into the damp place where the siren sings and harvest the white pearl and bring it to me.” The diver plunged beneath the waves—through the gold sand and purple coral, harvested the white pearl, and brought it, captive, for his sovereign in a pearly case.

    Durandin (low to Marcel, observing him)
    What are you doing there, monsieur?

    Marcel
    Ah! You nudged me!

    (Marcel continues to draw.)

    Rodolphe (writing)
    The poet is like the diver, Madame, and if your caprice smilingly demands a verse that must everywhere proclaim your beauty—obedient slave, he dives into the depths of his thought, a jewel case where love's rhyme is encased and finds the jewelled desire.

    All
    Bravo! Bravo!

    Gentleman
    That poem is very fine from one end to the other. In fact, it's fabulous.

    Madame de Rouvre (rising and shaking Rodolphe's hand, low)
    Thank you, my poet.

    (Rodolphe rises.)

    Marcel (rising)
    That's finished. (everyone rises) That's finished.

    (Marcel gives the album to Madame de Rouvre.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    Let's see your drawing, monsieur.

    Durandin (low to Marcel)
    Are you crazy, monsieur?

    Marcel
    What do you mean?

    Madame de Rouvre
    It's very pretty. Who's portrait is it?

    Marcel
    A memory.

    Lady
    Ah! Let's see!

    (Lady and Madame de Rouvre look. Rodolphe also looks and is surprised.)

    Madame de Rouvre (to Rodolphe)
    What's wrong with you?

    Rodolphe
    Nothing, Madame. (steps back a bit, low to Marcel) Mimi's portrait.

    Marcel (low)
    In Madame de Rouvre's album. That's amusing, isn't it?

    Madame de Rouvre (looking at Rodolphe suspiciously, aside)
    He's upset. (low to Durandin) This is the portrait of that girl, isn't it?

    Durandin (embarrassed)
    Why—pardon me.

    Madame de Rouvre (low)
    I'm sure of it.

    (Madame de Rouvre looks at the picture, dreaming. The orchestra plays a waltz.)

    Gentleman (to Marcel)
    What do you call that thing he just recited?

    Marcel
    It's a sonnet.

    Gentleman
    Ah, a sonnet. It's very pretty, but it's not long enough.

    Marcel (astonished)
    It's a sonnet.

    Gentleman
    I heard you, but I was saying—it's not quite long enough.

    Madame de Rouvre (aside)
    Oh, I intend to find out if he still loves her!

    Rodolphe (coming to her)
    Madame, you seem ill.

    Madame de Rouvre (upset)
    Oh, the heat.

    (Rodolphe offers her his arm and escorts her to the window which he opens.)

    Gentleman (to Marcel)
    Ah! Monsieur, I would really have loved to write poetry.

    (Gentleman pirouettes away.)

    Marcel
    Oof!

    Madame de Rouvre (looking outside)
    Ah! (to Rodolphe) Would you fix me a little more tea?

    (Rodolphe goes to the console at the left.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    I wasn't mistaken—it's she with Monsieur Schaunard.

    Rodolphe
    Do you feel better, Madame?

    Madame de Rouvre (very troubled)
    Yes, yes, monsieur, much better. (leaning out the window, aside) They are talking to a chamber maid who's pointing to the service stairs. They are coming. That girl in my home! Ah, that's too much audacity. She will pay dearly for it. (Rodolphe approaches, she moves quickly away from the window) Thank you, monsieur, it's unnecessary. But—the waltz has begun and you've engaged me, I think.

    (Madame de Rouvre moves toward the right. Rodolphe places the tea on the console.)

    Rodolphe
    I am at your disposal.

    Madame de Rouvre (going rapidly to Durandin)
    Get everybody out of here.

    Durandin
    Yes, Madame. (aside) I don't understand.

    Marcel (to Rodolphe as he passes near him)
    I'm going to the card game. In a quarter of an hour, you will please rescue me.

    (Marcel goes out left.)

    Durandin (at back)
    Come on, gentlemen—the salon reclaims you. The orchestra demands—we must obey.

    (Durandin offers his arm to a lady and leaves. Everyone follows him, Rodolphe and Madame de Rouvre are last.)

    Madame de Rouvre (aside, looking at the service door)
    Miss Mimi—till later!

    (The stage clears. Baptiste enters and begins straightening up. Schaunard enters from the left, speaking to someone in the wings.)

    Schaunard
    There's no one. Come in.

    (Mimi appears behind Schaunard.)

    Schaunard
    What childishness. To remain in the court of a hotel in such cold!

    Baptiste (looking up surprised, aside)
    Miss Mimi—my victim.

    Schaunard (to Mimi)
    Sit down.

    Mimi (sitting on the couch at the right)
    But, if someone were to come?

    Baptiste
    There's no danger.

    Mimi (excitedly)
    Where's Rodolphe?

    Baptiste
    Where? He's waltzing with Madame. (Schaunard nudges him) No—he's not waltzing with Madame de Rouvre. How cold you are! Would you like me to find a bouillon for you?

    Mimi
    My good Baptiste.

    Baptiste (aside, reaching the door at the left)
    She calls me her good Baptiste—it's horrifying. (exits excitedly)

    Schaunard
    Are you feeling better?

    Mimi
    Not much.

    Schaunard (aside)
    Oh, this will never do. This will never—I don't know how to console women. (aloud) Look, Mimi, don't cry like that.

    Mimi
    It does me good. He no longer loves me, right? You told me on his behalf that he had proof I was deceiving him—that I'd had enough of life with him? Who made him believe that, huh?

    Schaunard
    Hell! You didn't want to wear a straw hat in winter.

    Mimi
    Yes, yes, I know—stupidities, but all that was a pretext. Oh, if I could speak to him. Why no, leaving all those beautiful women, he would find me ugly. Are my eyes all red?

    Schaunard
    Well—not so bad as that.

    Mimi
    I wept so much! I waited for him two days and two nights. Finally, today, I learned he was going to the ball at Madame de Rouvre's. I couldn't stand it. I had to see him. If I don't see him—you will see him, and you will tell him that I've done nothing. He doesn't need to take me back if he doesn't want to, but he mustn't believe that I cheated on him. I knew well enough that he couldn't stay with me forever. They told me that. I understood that—really I wish happiness for him, but for him to believe me guilty—oh—I don't want that.

    Schaunard
    You will tell him all that yourself; I'm going to get him.

    Mimi (stopping him)
    No, no. Decidedly, I don't dare—if they saw him with me, that would, perhaps, anger him—and if he no longer loves me at all— Don't tell him that I am here. I am superstitious, you know. Well, if chance brings him, I will believe that the Good Lord will reconcile us. Don't tell him anything.

    Schaunard
    Hell! If that suits you better—but if they see you—

    Mimi
    They see me.

    Schaunard
    Then, I'm leaving you. It's a long while since I've been at the buffet. I fear my absence may be noted. Goodbye, Mimi. All this will straighten itself out. Go!

    Mimi
    You think so?

    Schaunard (aside)
    I am stupid with the ladies! (goes toward the door at the right)

    Mimi
    And Phemie?

    Schaunard (ready to leave)
    Phemie? She's with the Cavalry. (leaves)

    (Baptiste returns with a setting which he places on the table.)

    Baptiste
    There's no more consommé, but here's a pudding. Ah, Miss Mimi, console yourself. Soon you will be happy.

    Mimi
    What do you mean?

    Baptiste
    Leave it to me. First of all, I'm going to tell Monsieur Rodolphe that you are here. (gesture by Mimi) Don't be afraid. I've only to say a word for him to fall at your feet.

    Mimi
    Is it possible?

    Baptiste
    I am sure of it.

    Mimi
    Oh, how happy I am! My heart is beating enough to choke me.

    Baptiste
    Calm yourself. Would you like a glass of water?

    Mimi
    Yes—for my eyes. Can you tell I've been crying?

    Baptiste
    Yes. Here—you'll find all you need in here.

    Mimi
    Is there a mirror?

    Baptiste
    There are two mirrors. Go! Meanwhile I will find Monsieur Rodolphe and I will bring him to you.

    Mimi
    That's it. Hurry.

    (Mimi goes into the cabinet at the right.)

    Baptiste
    The time has come to execute my plans. It's Calas and Voltaire who suggested it all to me. I intend to rehabilitate this child. (starts to go out, then stops) Ah! My God, what a piece of ill luck! Monsieur and Madame de Rouvre are coming this way. (runs to Mimi's door and raps) Miss! Miss!

    Mimi (opening the door and entering)
    What is it?

    Baptiste (very troubled, watching the back all the while)
    I've reconsidered. You would do better to wait for Monsieur Rodolphe downstairs. That would be more clever.

    Mimi
    You are hiding something from me. (coming forward despite Baptiste's effort to prevent her) Ah! I understand—Madame de Rouvre and Rodolphe.

    Baptiste
    They are going to come to this room.

    Mimi
    That's all right. (reopens the door on the right)

    Baptiste
    But—

    Mimi (calmly)
    I intend to remain. (goes in)

    Baptiste (aside)
    But, my God! She's going to listen.

    (Madame de Rouvre, on Rodolphe's arm, enters from the back. Baptiste closes the door on the right.)

    Madame de Rouvre (aside)
    She's there!

    Baptiste (aside)
    I've got to warn Monsieur Rodolphe. How to do it? (goes to Rodolphe)

    Madame de Rouvre (guessing Baptiste's intent)
    Leave us.

    Baptiste
    Pardon, Madame, it's that—

    Madame de Rouvre (imperatively)
    Leave now!

    Baptiste (aside)
    What's going to happen?

    (Baptiste leaves with the food he brought. Madame de Rouvre leads Rodolphe toward the round table on which the album is placed.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    Monsieur Rodolphe, you are going to know why I brought you to this place. (pointing at the drawing) Who is this woman?

    Rodolphe (smiling)
    You know well enough, Madame, since you ask me.

    Madame de Rouvre
    That is clever, but it's true. Be frank to the end. Tell me, is your story with this what's her name—Mimi, I think—over?

    Rodolphe
    Mimi—yes, Madame.

    Madame de Rouvre
    It's history?

    Rodolphe
    Like Charlemagne.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You loved her?

    Rodolphe
    Madame!

    Madame de Rouvre
    You loved her?

    Rodolphe
    People say so.

    Madame de Rouvre (after a moment of scorn)
    Is she pretty?

    Rodolphe (embarrassed)
    Very pretty. Would you like to be seated, Madame?

    (Rodolphe wants to escort Madame de Rouvre to the couch at the left.)

    Madame de Rouvre (excitedly)
    Thank you. She has blue eyes?

    Rodolphe
    No, Madame, black.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Very large?

    Rodolphe
    Eyes all around her head.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You are making me impatient.

    Rodolphe (taking her hands which he admires)
    Is it still Pradier who finishes your hands, Madame?

    Madame de Rouvre
    You find them pretty? Prettier than those of Miss Mimi?

    Rodolphe
    Hers were less well cared for.

    Madame de Rouvre (ironic)
    Not gloved?

    Rodolphe
    Pardon, Madame, gloved—with kisses. (kisses her hands)

    Madame de Rouvre (scornfully pulling her hands away)
    I have my gloves— (Rodolphe smiles coquettishly) Look, Rodolphe, do you still love Miss Mimi?

    Rodolphe
    Madame, I ought not to love her any more—and perhaps I loved her more for myself than for her.

    Madame de Rouvre (with a gesture of satisfaction)
    Ah, let's sit down then. (she leads him to the couch at the right near the room Mimi is in and they sit) You were saying you loved her rather for yourself than for her? What sort of passion is that?

    Rodolphe
    The passion of a poet, the passion of an artist—meaning—it's very vain.

    Madame de Rouvre
    And very false at the same time.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, Madame, it's the perpetual exploitation of the heart by the imagination.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You renounce your love, then? You agree it was only a caprice, a fantasy?

    Rodolphe
    Perhaps.

    Madame de Rouvre
    What you loved in her was her beauty?

    (Music by the orchestra.)

    Rodolphe
    Yes, her beauty, her youth, the luster of her smile, the fanfare of her gayety.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Finally, your loves were those which are born in the spring with the first leaves and die in the winter with the first snow?

    Rodolphe
    What's to be done? You see, Madame, love is a little room visited by the sun and also by cold winds—love which dines at a frugal setting and even drinks from the same glass—this love is something charming when one is still under the rising sun of first youth. But there comes a day when the pride of it begins to dispute with the heart—the liberty of its sympathies and its enthusiasms. Then everything changes—naivete appears vulgar—the chatter of a pretty mouth seems monotonous—and you begin to find tepid the kiss of her ardent lips. (surrounds Madame de Rouvre's waist)

    Madame de Rouvre (turning towards the door)
    Rodolphe!

    Rodolphe (leaning on her shoulder)
    It's then one dreams of another love—one which walks on carpets, is draped in silk or velours, is strewn with diamonds, goes to the woods, to the opera, speaks pure language, writes on velum crowned with heraldic vignettes, and is called by a name which is recorded in history.

    (Rodolphe kisses Madame de Rouvre's shoulder. A slight noise is heard in the cabinet. Madame de Rouvre rises abruptly and walks to the left.)

    Rodolphe (rising)
    There's someone there?

    Madame de Rouvre
    My chambermaid.

    Marcel (outside)
    A refugee from the card game.

    Madame de Rouvre (a bit agitated)
    They're calling you. Leave. I will see you soon. Go—go—soon!

    Rodolphe
    Soon!

    (Rodolphe kisses the hand of Madame de Rouvre and leaves. As he leaves, Mimi enters.)

    Madame de Rouvre (aside)
    There she is.

    Mimi (noticing Madame de Rouvre)
    Excuse me, Madame.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You're looking for someone?

    Mimi
    Yes, Madame. I'm looking for Rodolphe.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Monsieur Rodolphe, you mean.

    Mimi
    For me—he's plain Rodolphe. I'm the little one you were speaking of just now.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Wait then, miss—

    Mimi
    Mimi—you know my name quite well, Madame.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Miss, think where you are.

    Mimi
    I recall, Madame, as they won't let me forget!

    Madame de Rouvre
    What do you want?

    Mimi
    I want my lover, Madame! (Madame de Rouvre takes a step to leave but Mimi places herself in front of her and bars the way) You aren't going, Madame, or I scream.

    Madame de Rouvre
    This is scandalous!

    Mimi
    So much the worse! I want my lover.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You are mad, young lady.

    Mimi
    That could be.

    Madame de Rouvre
    I am desolated to tell you, miss, but you ought to understand that Monsieur Rodolphe doesn't desire this meeting. (pointing to the cabinet) You were there—you must have heard. I thought that would suffice for you. (sits on the couch at the left) Monsieur Rodolphe no longer loves you. What do you want me to do about it?

    Mimi
    Oh, yes, Madame, he still loves me! The tone in which he said he no longer loves me proves the contrary.

    Madame de Rouvre (coldly)
    Not only does he no longer love you—but he loves another.

    Mimi (laughing convulsively)
    You, perhaps! Ha, ha, ha, you make me laugh, really! I am only a little girl, a lost child coming into this world, I am ignorant of five languages and beautiful manners, and yet, Rodolphe adores me! Yes, Madame, adores! It's not too much to say. So he hasn't forgotten me in four days—to be in love with another. To she who could believe herself loved by him, I would say: He's deceiving you and himself, perhaps—don't listen to him for you won't be slow to notice that you are only a distraction for him—and that will hurt you.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Continue, miss, you amuse me very much.

    Mimi
    No, Madame, I don't amuse you. On the contrary, if Rodolphe doesn't love you, what can I do about it? Perhaps, he will be your husband—he will be my lover! He was a poet—he will become a man of affairs. As to the rest—it will happen, and we grisettes—as you call yourselves great ladies—we often have the crème de la crème of your loves.

    Madame de Rouvre (rising)
    Is that all you have to tell me, miss?

    Mimi (a little intimidated)
    Pardon, Madame, if I've spoken this way to you—but all that I've said to you, I'm sure of, you see.

    Madame de Rouvre
    I've listened to you right to the end. You came to parade before me your little affairs that I never asked you about. I've answered you— that's much—believe it. Let's leave it at that. If I were to speak, I could destroy the illusions that you obstinately cling to—and that would hurt you—as you were saying to me just now. Allow me therefore to retire.

    Mimi
    So be it—but let me see Rodolphe.

    Madame de Rouvre (going to the right)
    You want him to repeat to you what he was saying to me just a while ago?

    Mimi
    What?

    Madame de Rouvre
    As for me, I remember it—love is a small room visited by the sun—

    Mimi
    I know!

    Madame de Rouvre
    But soon the dream of another love—you get it now, miss?

    Mimi
    Well, yes, it's true—diamonds, clothes, pretty things—I have none of all that—but I have devotion—which can replace them.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Do you believe that your love is worth the sacrifice of his future?

    Mimi (aside)
    Oh! My God! It's really true, since everybody tells me so. (aloud) But, I cannot forgo him, Madame. Why, this love is all my happiness.

    Madame de Rouvre
    That is, indeed, the utterance of your egoism. Look, you don't know what devotion is! Your heart is too small to contain it!

    Mimi (coldly)
    Enough, Madame! You don't believe in my devotion? Tomorrow, you will— and Rodolphe will, too. Goodbye, Madame, love him well.

    (Mimi goes out to the left. She is half crazy. The door closes. Madame de Rouvre, very upset, has made a gesture to detain her. She runs to the table and rings. Baptiste enters by the back.)

    Madame de Rouvre (very agitated)
    Baptiste, go down instantly and follow a young girl just leaving the hotel.

    Baptiste (aside)
    Miss Mimi! Ah, my God!

    Madame de Rouvre (passionately)
    Go on!

    (Baptiste runs out left.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    Ah, her goodbye struck my heart.

    Rodolphe (coming in rapidly through the back, aside)
    What have I learned? These letters were only lies—and she was there.

    (Rodolphe goes toward the cabinet. Madame de Rouvre bars his passage.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    She's no longer there, monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    What? You knew?

    Madame de Rouvre
    Well, yes, I knew it. You must choose between two mistresses, monsieur. I don't want such a rival. (falls onto the couch at the right)

    Rodolphe
    A rival! Ah, yes—you kicked her out, Madame. The tears of that child didn't touch you.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Do mine touch you, monsieur?

    (Durandin appears at the back with Marcel and Colline.)

    Rodolphe
    Eh, Madame, it's not your love weeping—it's your pride.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Monsieur?

    Durandin (running to Rodolphe)
    What is it? What's wrong?

    Rodolphe
    Leave me alone. Your conduct is shameful.

    Durandin
    Monsieur!

    Marcel
    My friend—

    Rodolphe
    This girl that I loved—that I still love—you slandered her!

    Madame de Rouvre
    What do you mean?

    (Baptiste enters through the small door at the right.)

    Baptiste (to Rodolphe)
    Ah, monsieur, I fear that some misfortune has befallen Miss Mimi.

    Rodolphe
    What?

    Baptiste
    I saw her leave, running. I tried to follow her, but I lost her in the darkness.

    (Marcel, Colline and Baptiste rush to the window.)

    Rodolphe (with sadness)
    Mimi! (to Durandin and Madame de Rouvre) Do you hear? At this moment, perhaps, she's dying—the victim of your love and your perfidy.

    (Durandin shrugs. Madame de Rouvre looks defiantly at Rodolphe.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    You are in my home, monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, Madame, of your perfidy—for she was here—and she heard me foreswear her, cowardly—

    Madame de Rouvre
    For whom, monsieur?

    Rodolphe (low, to Madame de Rouvre)
    For another who will, in her turn, renounce me. Goodbye, Madame. You told me just now to choose.

    (Madame de Rouvre tears the portrait from the album, crumples it and hurls it at Rodolphe's feet.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    I won't say it to you again, goodbye, monsieur.

    Durandin
    Go, monsieur. Continue your life of disorder, your beautiful Bohemian life. All is over between us.

    Rodolphe (to Durandin)
    Keep your money. (to Madame de Rouvre) Keep your pride, as for me, I'll keep my love.

    (Rodolphe goes toward Marcel and Colline. Madame de Rouvre collapses on the couch at the left. Schaunard comes in from the right and follows them, but is stopped by Baptiste.)

    Baptiste (low)
    Monsieur, you wouldn't need a servant, would you?

    Schaunard
    Yes, sometimes—to loan me money against his wages.

    (Baptiste makes a gesture that that would be fine with him and follows him off as the curtain falls.)

    CURTAIN


    ACT V

    A room. In the rear, a bed. Door on the left near the bed. A window on the left. To the right a chimney near the audience. A little to the left of the chimney, a table covered with bottles and empty plates. On the floor bottles and napkins, shells of oil, etc. A Voltaire style armchair near the chimney. Everything is in great disorder.

    AT RISE, Colline and Schaunard are near the chimney jammed into the extinguished corner. Marcel and Rodolphe are seated at the table, sad and silent. The wind can be heard blowing.

    Colline (recoiling from the chimney)
    Who's that coming?

    Schaunard
    It's old man Boreas—ambassador of the month of December. (he shakes till his teeth rattle) Brr! Brr! Hey, Marcel.

    Marcel (turning his head)
    Well?

    Schaunard
    You're standing—go into the library to see if there's not a small faggot remaining.

    Marcel (pointing to the heavens through the window)
    Do you see that little cloud of smoke? That's our last log stealing away.

    Schaunard
    Brr! Brr! By God, we're not safe in here. It's a Siberia. There's a temperature reigning here capable of hatching polar bears. (taking a glass from the chimney) Let's drink!

    Colline (taking a bottle and turning it upside down)
    The edition is— (rising and going to Marcel)

    Schaunard (replacing the glass on the chimney)
    God! How stupid our empty glass is! (in a tone like a mandolin) Where shall we dine today?

    Colline
    We will know tomorrow. (striking Marcel's shoulder) We're not going to think of working?

    Marcel
    I never work without eating after I've remained for five days uninterruptedly. I'm no longer in the mood.

    Schaunard (rising)
    I know that. It's our nature. There are whole years one isn't in the mood.

    Colline (low to Schaunard, rising)
    Come on. The sorrows of our friends require solitude.

    Schaunard
    Goodbye, Rodolphe.

    (Rodolphe rises. Colline and Schaunard shake hands with Rodolphe and leave. Rodolphe goes to the right. For several moments Rodolphe and Marcel remain silent, then a noise is heard on the stairway. Marcel gets up hurriedly and puts his ear to the door. The noise dies down.)

    Marcel (aside)
    I was mistaken.

    Rodolphe
    The one you are waiting for isn't coming.

    Marcel
    What do you mean?

    Rodolphe
    You are waiting for Musette.

    Marcel
    I'm waiting for her, but I don't expect her any more. It's true, it was five days ago that I wrote her; I told her we had money, a stunning apoplexy of luck—my gambling winnings, you know—and I invited her to come warm herself while there was fire. She replied immediately that she would come. Then, truly, I expected her—for five minutes. (goes near chimney)

    Rodolphe
    You've expected her for five days and you still expect her.

    Marcel
    No.

    Rodolphe
    And if you see her enter, your heart will leap on her neck.

    Marcel (pointing to his heart)
    No. The little beast is dead. (sitting by the chimney) And to think that for five days this room flamed like Hell. If Musette had been here—she who was so chilly—

    Rodolphe
    The little beast is dead, you said?

    Marcel (rising)
    Well, no—it's not—it's stupid, but it's like that. Ah, you, at least, you can love your Mimi with a full heart. She's never deceived you, and if you are not rich, her love provides you with credit.

    Rodolphe
    Musette really loves you too. But why didn't you try to keep her before? Perhaps she wouldn't have left you.

    Marcel
    I couldn't duel with every fur coat that came to pay court to her.

    (Marcel sits back down by the chimney.)

    Rodolphe
    It's true. Whereas, I lost Mimi through my own fault. I suspected her when she was faithful—and she left ten days ago. During the first five days I sought her everywhere and I didn't find her and I've been unable to learn anything.

    Marcel
    She'll have gone to England.

    (Marcel rises and pushes the table against the wall at the left, then straightens it up.)

    Marcel
    Ah, indeed, sooner or later, she too will have been set up there by a frazzled notary's clerk who will have seduced her with madrigals made of money.

    Rodolphe (dreaming)
    It's all the same! We owe them beautiful memories.

    Marcel
    Yes, but all these memories are good only for regrets. Bah! Let's talk of something else and try to warm up—for it's getting very cold. What is there we could burn to thaw out our fingers for a moment? Ah, speaking of memories, I have some autographs of Musette. (goes to a sort of desk in a corner and at the left and takes letters from a drawer) Since I am in the mood to forget—but first— (sitting near the chimney) Let's reread one last time these burning letters. (reading) “I am going to dine with my aunt. As it perhaps will rain tonight, I won't return until tomorrow noon.” Very fine, I know her aunt—he was my cousin! And here's another: “I took the money which was in the snuff-box to go buy some green boots.” Those boots danced many a country dance I was unaware of. (in a jesting tone) O my letters of love, of virtue, of youth—to the post— (throws them on the fire) So much the worse. When I am cold, I will burn one leg to heat the other.

    Rodolphe (sitting near the table)
    O little Mimi! Joy of my house, is it really true that you've left and that I will never see you again. O little white hands with blue veins, when I carry you to my lips! Have you, then, received my last kiss?

    (On the stairs a voice can be heard singing: Wake up my darling, Jeannette, and get all dressed up. Rodolphe runs to the door and finds that Marcel has arrived before him.)

    Rodolphe
    That's Mimi's song!

    Marcel
    Yes, but it's Musette's voice!

    (Mimi enters gaily. She stops upon seeing the shabby appearance and their sad faces.)

    Marcel (aside)
    Let's be proud and disdainful.

    (Marcel strikes a haughty pose while Rodolphe gives his hand to Musette and then takes a step to go.)

    Musette
    Are you going to leave us?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, I'm going to buy some Havana tobacco.

    (Rodolphe leaves as Musette makes a grateful gesture.)

    Musette (aside)
    I no longer dared to enter. (calling softly) Marcel! Marcel! (he doesn't budge) Must I leave?

    Marcel
    Evidently.

    (Musette starts to leave, but almost involuntarily Marcel is at her side. She throws off her hat and shawl and goes into his arms.)

    Musette
    My little Marcel

    Marcel (turns away, with effort)
    I am no longer your little Marcel.

    Musette (looking around her)
    It's really cold in here.

    Marcel
    The fire's been waiting for you for five days, the table, too. (pointing to the chimney) Ashes are all that remain. (pointing to the table) And crumbs.

    Musette (timidly sitting)
    I am late.

    Marcel
    Five days to cross the Pont Neuf? You went by way of the Pyrenees, I suppose.

    (Instead of replying, Musette rests her head on his chest.)

    Marcel
    What kept you? A caprice? Was he blonde or brunette?

    Musette
    It was the rain.

    Marcel
    The rain. I understand. (bitterly) O damn!

    Musette
    It's the truth—and if I wasn't afraid of hurting you—

    Marcel
    Oh—one needle more or less in the pincushion. (touches her dress) But what have you got under there?

    Musette (coquettishly)
    You know quite well. Listen, when I got your letter I showed it to Milord.

    Marcel
    How old is Milord?

    Musette
    Two weeks. First of all, that surprised him a little. He gave an “Oh” —but I told him: “Listen, Milord, since I've had an eighty franc corset, I no longer feel my heart beat. For sure, I left it in one of Marcel's drawers. I'm going to find it.” And I left. But when I was half-way, lo, there was a sudden shower! Ah, and not one carriage. I was at the gate of Madeleine, I went up, they were having a lottery to help a poor family. Madeleine jumped on my neck and demanded a ticket —she took something from my pocket. I let her do it without looking. The lottery was drawn and suddenly a nice gentleman approached me and said to me: “I have number twenty-three.” (lowering her eyes) And number twenty-three was—

    Marcel
    Twenty-three was?

    Musette
    Heavens, let's talk politics.

    Marcel
    Well?

    Musette (very low)
    It was the key to my boudoir, and as I begged him to return it to me: “Miss,” he replied, “I will return it, but in the lock.”

    Marcel
    Here—get out!

    Musette (bursting out laughing)
    Ah, bah! He was a Spaniard and I have never been to Spain.

    Marcel
    I told you that you went by way of the Pyrenees.

    (Marcel sits down.)

    Musette
    What do you want? My crazy existence is a song. Each of my loves is a couplet—and you are the refrain.

    (Musette hurls herself into Marcel's arms.)

    Musette (singing)
    Memories of long ago Recall to him my tenderness. Unfaithful lovers Are always the most charming. Like a tempting demon, Pride seduced my heart. But the true, the only joy, The only wealth, It's love in gaiety; It's the adventurous life; And it's our liberty. Still so joyous—

    (Musette forces Marcel to kiss her. Rodolphe returns, looking pensive.)

    Musette
    Ah! It's Rodolphe. (to Marcel) How sad he looks.

    (Musette goes to Rodolphe.)

    Rodolphe
    You haven't seen her for the last ten days?

    Musette
    Who?

    Rodolphe
    Mimi.

    Musette
    What do you mean?

    Marcel (low to Musette)
    A bunch of scandals, jealousies, suspicions. It's Rodolphe's uncle who caused all that. At last, Mimi ran away—and perhaps she now has a new love and hats with feathers.

    Musette (laughing)
    Mimi with a hat with feathers! Oh, God! She must look funny. (changing her tone, to Rodolphe) Ah, bah! She'll come back. After all, I came back.

    Marcel
    By God! You only come and go.

    (Musette approaches Rodolphe as if to console him. Suddenly a noise is heard on the stairs. Rodolphe shivers. Music.)

    Rodolphe
    Ah, my God. This time I'm not mistaken. (listens)

    Musette
    What is it, then?

    Rodolphe (placing his hand on his heart)
    Listen, it's my heart that's crying for her.

    (Mimi appears, leaning against the casing of the door.)

    Musette
    Mimi! Ah! I told you so.

    Rodolphe (running to Mimi)
    Yes, yes, it's she! Ah!

    Mimi
    Rodolphe!

    Rodolphe (covering her with kisses)
    Mimi, my darling Mimi.

    Mimi (in his arms)
    Rodolphe! My friend, oh, let me sit down. I cannot hold myself together.

    (Marcel pulls up an armchair. Mimi sits and Musette sits beside her.)

    Mimi
    Ah, you here. Hello, Musette, you've come back. You did well! (giving her hand to Marcel) Hello, Marcel. You're well, and me, too. (to herself) No, I'm not well.

    Rodolphe
    Are you ill?

    Mimi
    No, I'm just tired.

    Rodolphe
    My poor Mimi.

    Mimi
    Yes, your poor Mimi, who's going to fall back in your arms. You no longer expected me, huh?

    Rodolphe
    But, where did you come from? So late, in this bad weather?

    Mimi
    Where am I coming from? I'm not coming from dancing. I am returning from hospital.

    Rodolphe
    Oh, my God!

    (Marcel takes Rodolphe aside.)

    Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
    Say, I don't know why, but I'm afraid. Mimi seems really ill.

    Rodolphe (low)
    I see it as you do.

    Marcel (low)
    I'm going to find that young doctor that we know.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, and bring him right away.

    (Marcel leaves and Rodolphe returns to Mimi. Mimi is continuing to talk with Musette.)

    Mimi (to Musette)
    My God! Yes, my darling, I am coming from the Hotel Dieu—a villainous place to die. I really had trouble to get out. They didn't want to let me leave. Happily they needed beds, and my leaving made one more. Finally, here I am. (to Rodolphe) Ah, my poor friend, I really was afraid of not seeing you again.

    Rodolphe (kneeling by her)
    But, that night of the ball, when you let the hotel—

    Mimi
    Yes, I know.

    Rodolphe
    Where were you?

    Mimi
    I was right on the bridge. Just like a grisette in a novel.

    Rodolphe
    You wanted to die?

    Mimi
    Hell! What did you want me to do? They told me I was an obstacle to your future. I doubted it at first, but then— (smiling) Ah, at last— that decided me. I thought you had forgotten me for good—and I ran to the river. Where did you want me to go?

    Rodolphe (lovingly)
    Mimi—

    Mimi
    I watched the water flow by. It was really dirty. It wasn't pretty. I kept leaning against the parapet. I was looking around me mechanically. Suddenly, I don't know why, my eyes turned toward the quay and I noticed, at our little window, the light I had forgotten to put out. All my past joy seemed to watch me through that little window. Then I forgot the great lady. I forgot the river and I no longer thought of anything else except of you. I remembered the time we lived in this room. In those days, you recall the light also burned late. You were working late, and from time to time you would bother yourself to come hug me in my bed. All these memories had troubled my thoughts a little. The swelling river vainly asked me: Are you coming? Standing under the arches, I wasn't rushed and I said to myself: When I'm at the bottom of the river, he can no longer come to kiss me. Still, it really must be ended. I didn't come there to amuse myself. I again bent over the parapet—but courage again failed me. Then I looked at the window where the light was still burning and I said to myself: I'll jump in the river when the light goes out. Ah, you see, my friend, when you're ill you soon say: I'm going to die of it. You think it's easy, but you're jolly well deceived. While I was awaiting the signal to jump, my fever seized me. I lost my head, I fell in a faint on the pavement. When I came to, I was in a bed in the Hotel Dieu.

    Musette (rising, aside)
    Poor girl!

    Rodolphe (to Mimi who wants to rise)
    You are tired, rest.

    Mimi
    I will do whatever you like. Say, if I'd found another woman here, I would have jolly well have come down by way of the window.

    Rodolphe
    Don't talk any more.

    Mimi
    You still love me, right?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, I love you.

    (Rapping is heard at the door.)

    Doctor
    You asked for me?

    Rodolphe (rising and going to the doctor)
    Hush.

    (Musette whispers to Mimi.)

    Doctor
    I understand.

    Rodolphe
    Mimi, my little girl, here's one of my friends who came to see me as he was passing by. He's a doctor. If you would tell him where you hurt, what pains you?

    Doctor (going to Mimi and taking her hand)
    You'll allow me, Miss?

    (Rodolphe anxiously watches the doctor's expression. The doctor gestures for him to move away. Marcel reenters.)

    Marcel
    The doctor's come?

    Musette
    He's here.

    Marcel
    What does he say?

    Rodolphe
    We don't know anything yet.

    (Musette and Marcel approach Mimi.)

    Doctor (to Mimi)
    Don't worry, miss. It's nothing, some rest—and everything will be fine.

    Rodolphe (joyful)
    Ah!

    (Marcel and Musette sit near Mimi. The doctor talks to Rodolphe in a corner.)

    Doctor (grasping Rodolphe's hand, low)
    My friend, she's finished.

    Rodolphe (shaking)
    Lost? O Mimi! My poor Mimi!

    Doctor
    In a week at most.

    Rodolphe
    What! So soon?

    Doctor
    Maybe sooner. Tomorrow, perhaps.

    Mimi (leaning towards Rodolphe)
    What is it the two of you are saying?

    Rodolphe (coming to her, in a gay tone)
    We are planning to make you take something very bad—which will quickly cure you.

    Musette (to Mimi)
    You see quite well that, if you were in danger, he wouldn't be laughing.

    (Marcel places a writing pad and paper on the desk.)

    Marcel (low to Rodolphe)
    What's the doctor say?

    Rodolphe (low)
    She's finished!

    Doctor (to Mimi)
    Come on! Don't torture yourself.

    Mimi
    Oh! I am better already, since I came here. (fever begins to take her) You must cure me quickly, monsieur. (pointing to Rodolphe who has taken her hand) You see him? I'm all his joy—a sad joy, right? Still, he loves me all the same. (looking at Musette's dress) That dress is pretty. Just now, coming back from hospital I was looking in the shops. What a misfortune that everything is so expensive. (vivaciously) How funny it is when you are sick. You have all sorts of cravings. (to Rodolphe) You know quite well I'm no coquette, but I'd like to have— (sadly) No, let's not think of it any more!

    (The doctor sits at the table and writes his prescription. Marcel has come close to Musette.)

    Rodolphe
    Yes, on the contrary, what is it? What would you like? A pretty silk dress like Musette's with white trim?

    Mimi (laughing and then coughing)
    Ah, white! How dumb he is—it's lace. No, I don't want a silk dress. I'd like to have a muff. Why, I'd really like one.

    (Musette gestures to Rodolphe to say “yes.”)

    Rodolphe (to Mimi)
    Is that all, my darling? You shall have it.

    Musette (low to Marcel)
    I've got one at home. You'll have to go get it.

    Mimi
    Soon?

    Rodolphe
    Right away.

    (Marcel goes near the doctor.)

    Mimi
    A muff is expensive. Are you rich?

    Rodolphe
    Yes, we're rich.

    Mimi (repeating)
    Ah, indeed, yes, we are rich. We have to keep commerce going. Go get me a muff!

    (The doctor rises, gives the prescription to Marcel, then goes to Rodolphe.)

    Doctor (to Rodolphe)
    I have some calls to make.

    (The doctor leaves, escorted by Marcel and Rodolphe.)

    Musette (to Mimi)
    Come on. Rest now.

    Mimi
    I'd really like to. (leaning on Musette and Rodolphe who has returned) Heavens! The doctor is gone.

    Rodolphe
    Yes.

    Mimi
    What did he say about me?

    Rodolphe
    He said that if you were really obedient, in a week, you would be going to a ball.

    Mimi
    With my muff?

    Rodolphe
    With your muff, yes.

    Mimi (as they help her to the bed)
    What luck! Then, to begin, I am going to try to sleep—for I almost wasn't able to sleep there. Those huge rooms, it's sad at night.

    (Musette arranges the armchair near the chimney.)

    Mimi (holding Rodolphe in her arms)
    Ah, my friend. Don't send me back to hospital. I would die if you did. (sweetly) I am so well here. (lowering her voice) In my little room. (lower still) Near you, my Rodolphe. (sleeps)

    Musette (low)
    She's begun to sleep.

    (Musette closes the curtains.)

    Marcel (pointing to the debris of the party)
    Huh! If we'd been able to foresee it—we haven't got a drop left of the one hundred shillings we drank from these bottles.

    Musette
    You'll take care of her, won't you?

    Rodolphe (exalted)
    Yes, I'll take care of her.

    Musette
    And the money?

    Rodolphe
    I'm going to go to my uncle.

    Musette
    Ah! Why, how dumb I'm getting! Meanwhile, (removing her bracelets and giving them to Marcel) go pawn these for me. You know where. How mad I am not to have thought of that sooner.

    Rodolphe (shaking her hand)
    Ah, Musette, thank you!

    (Night comes on, little by little.)

    Musette
    God! How dumb you are. (to Marcel) Don't forget to go to my place to get the muff. And while you are on the way, stop by Schaunard and Colline's.

    Rodolphe
    Yes, let them know what's happening.

    Marcel (pulling Rodolphe aside)
    Yes, come. We're going to beat the retreat for money.

    (Marcel and Rodolphe leave.)

    SHORT BLACKOUT (no change of set)

    As the lights go up, Mimi is sleeping in the bed. Musette is near the
    bed.

    Musette
    She's sleeping.

    (Musette goes to the chimney and lights candles. The room lights up.)

    Musette
    There's one who never had any luck. If she'd wanted to she, perhaps, could have been like me. Indeed, I'd have been like her if I were able. We've each had our illness! For me, an illness that makes me live a life of coquetting and pleasure. She, a mortal illness, of love and fidelity. (returning to the bed) She's cold. (placing her shawl over Mimi) It's never been put to better use.

    (Marcel and Rodolphe return. Marcel places a carton on the table and extracts a muff. Rodolphe is sad and silent.

    Musette
    Well?

    Rodolphe (abruptly)
    Nothing.

    Musette
    What! You didn't meet anyone?

    Rodolphe (bitterly ironic)
    I met a poor man who asked me for alms.

    Musette (to Marcel)
    And you—how much were you able to borrow on it?

    Marcel
    Nothing.

    Musette
    What!

    Marcel (returning the jewels to her)
    Today is Sunday. The pawnshop's closed. We have to wait until tomorrow.

    Musette
    Tomorrow. But from now till then—

    (Colline and Schaunard enter together. Schaunard is in a yellow suit.)

    Marcel
    Well?

    Schaunard (fumbling in his pocket)
    Here's thirty sous. (gives it to Marcel)

    Rodolphe (to Colline)
    Well?

    Colline
    Here's three francs.

    Marcel (taking them)
    Four pounds ten. I'm going to the pharmacist. (leaves)

    Musette (to Schaunard and Colline)
    What did you do?

    Schaunard
    I wanted to sell a rag which I counted on liberating, but today's Sunday. These things happen only to me. There wasn't a single clothes merchant in the streets, and the rag dealers were closed. Still, I found one of them—he offered me thirty sous for my alpaca and a mouton suit in return. I had no choice. I took it, that's all.

    Musette
    Poor boy! A nankeen suit in this weather?

    Schaunard
    It's not warm—but it's pretty and then I've wanted to have one for a long while.

    Colline
    It's quite another thing with me. I wanted to sell my books, but all the shops were closed and everyone in their homes. When I saw that, I went to a grocer and I negotiated with him for a series of Greek philosophers—by the pound. They were worth ten shillings, but they weighed only three francs. I took it, that's all.

    (Rodolphe has gone to the window.)

    Schaunard
    Art is in the doldrums. At this moment half of Paris is trying to borrow one hundred sous of the other half which refuses them.

    Musette (to Rodolphe)
    Will your habitual Providence abandon you?

    Rodolphe (always ironic)
    Providence! Providence! (pointing to the window) When the weather is like this, Providence remains in its corner warming its toes by the fire.

    Musette
    And your uncle?

    Rodolphe
    I saw him. He was in his carriage that was taking him to a ball at Madame de Rouvre's.

    (Schaunard sits down by the window.)

    Musette
    Well?

    Rodolphe
    There's nothing to expect from him.

    Musette
    You didn't tell him—?

    Rodolphe
    I told him everything, but he didn't believe a thing. He said she was playing a part and that it's a way to swindle the world and arrive at her end.

    Musette (in a rage)
    God! Is it possible to listen to that calumny!

    (Musette goes to the right and flings herself in the armchair. Colline sits near the chimney.)

    Rodolphe (half opening the bed curtains)
    Poor girl. You loved me, and in my selfish love, I involved you in my life of misery. Each day I was present at your patient martyrdom, and as you trembled from the shivers of fever, I warmed myself in the warmth of your love. (kneeling) I implore your pardon—yes—it's because of me that you are so soon lying on this bed where I see death being born on your face. (Madame de Rouvre enters silently) You, you here, madame!

    (All rise.)

    Madame de Rouvre
    Speak low. (pointing to the bed) So she doesn't hear you.

    Rodolphe
    What, you know?

    Madame de Rouvre
    Monsieur Durandin is at my house at this time. He informed me of everything.

    Rodolphe
    Madame—

    Madame de Rouvre
    At another time, Rodolphe, I said some things about this young girl—

    Rodolphe
    And as for me, Madame, how can I excuse myself for my shocking behavior in your home?

    Madame de Rouvre
    Don't excuse yourself. Here, there are no improper behaviors nor rivalry. (pointing to the bed) There's only misfortune and pity, sincere pity which will suffer at a refusal. (pulling out a purse) This illness may last a long while, take it. (gives him the purse)

    Rodolphe (low, kissing her hand)
    Ah, Cesarine, thank you.

    Madame de Rouvre
    And now, allow me to retire.

    (Durandin enters at the same time as Marcel, who places the prescription medication on the table.)

    Durandin (to Madame de Rouvre)
    You've come here? What folly!

    Rodolphe
    Uncle!

    Durandin
    Let me have a word with Madame. I'll speak to you later.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Not here, monsieur. Escort me.

    Durandin (to Madame de Rouvre)
    Just now, when I told you what was happening here, you accused me of insensitivity—even of cruelty. Well, I came expressly to prove to you that I am neither insensitive nor cruel—only that I don't intend to be duped.

    Rodolphe
    Uncle!

    Durandin
    And I don't want you to be either. For my word of honor, you are all as crazy as you can be.

    Madame de Rouvre
    Monsieur, be quiet.

    Durandin
    I repeat to you, you are all duped in a comedy.

    Schaunard
    A comedy? (placing a chair near the bed) Allow me to offer you a box seat so you can see it the better.

    Musette (to Durandin)
    Ah! Indeed, you have no heart.

    Durandin (to Musette)
    You defend your kind. I understand that.

    Musette (exploding)
    Mimi—my kind! Mimi so good, so devoted, so sweet—oh—how little you know me. Ah, Monsieur Million, if only you were still young.

    Durandin
    Well?

    Musette
    I would like nothing more than to dissolve your fortune in the crucible of my caprices. You see these little teeth—they devour golden ingots. (stamping her foot) Don't you have a son somewhere that I could beggar?

    Durandin
    Well, good—as for you—you are frank. (going to Rodolphe) Look, she's ill, you say. Well, I'll get her into a nursing home. (raising his voice more and more) But I don't want her to remain here!

    (The bed curtain opens, Mimi appears and listens. Musette observes her and runs to her.)

    Durandin
    On that condition I will provide money, but she will leave.

    Madame de Rouvre
    You will give nothing, monsieur, and she won't leave.

    Durandin
    Madame—

    Rodolphe (seeing Mimi get out of bed, helped by Musette)
    Uncle, will you go away?

    Mimi (seeing Durandin, to Musette)
    Monsieur Durandin! Let me leave—

    Durandin (finishing a discussion with Rodolphe)
    You are crazy, I tell you. You are crazy!

    (Mimi, staggering and supported by Musette, walks to Durandin.)

    Mimi
    Don't scold him, monsieur. I'm going away. (to Rodolphe who runs to her) Let me leave. I don't want them to give you alms for me.

    Rodolphe (clasping Mimi)
    Ah! (to Durandin) Go away, uncle.

    (Rodolphe supports Mimi in her arms, and with Musette leading her, she goes to the armchair that Colline pushes forward. Musette gives her the muff.)

    Musette
    See how pretty it is.

    Mimi
    Yes, very pretty.

    (Mimi puts her hands in the muff and dries her eyes with it.)

    Rodolphe (taking her hand)
    Mimi!

    Mimi
    Yes, you really love me, my poor friend, but I bother you.

    Rodolphe
    Be quiet.

    (Mimi turns and notices Madame de Rouvre. She utters a scream and stands up.)

    Mimi
    Madame de Rouvre! Goodbye, Rodolphe, goodbye!

    (Madame de Rouvre moves away.)

    Rodolphe
    Mimi—

    Mimi (taking a step)
    Goodbye. I intend to leave. Don't stop me. I will go to hospital. I'll come back when I'm cured.

    (Mimi faints in the armchair. Durandin shrugs his shoulders.)

    Madame de Rouvre (seated by the table, rising)
    You are cruel, monsieur.

    Rodolphe
    Ah, yes, really cruel.

    Durandin (in a deep voice, to Rodolphe and Madame de Rouvre)
    Well—look—she's in danger, you say?

    Rodolphe
    She's dying, monsieur.

    Durandin
    I'm going to save her. (takes off his hat and places it and his cane on the table) Miss Mimi—it was a test; it's over. (takes Rodolphe's hand and Mimi's hand) I give you to him.

    (Mimi utters a long sigh and makes no response. Music.)

    Durandin
    You love him and he loves you. You are good and he will be rich. Be happy. Come, get up and kiss me.

    (A moment of silence. Musette, who's been leaning towards Mimi, pulls back suddenly with a scream and falls to her knees. Everyone surrounds Mimi. Durandin, after a gesture, releases Mimi's hand—which falls lifeless.)

    Durandin
    Ah, my God.

    Rodolphe (kneeling by Mimi)
    Ah—

    (Schaunard opens the door abruptly and brings Durandin his cane and his hat.)

    Schaunard
    A comedy? Well, monsieur, the play is over. They're going to put the lights out.

    Musette
    Goodbye, Mimi.

    Rodolphe (rising and bursting into tears)
    Oh, my youth! It's you they are going to bury.

    CURTAIN