COL. I have tumbled!

RUD. Colline, are you dead yet?

COL. (_from the bottom of the staircase_) Not this time!

MAR. Come quickly!

(RUDOLPH _shuts the door, puts down the light, clears a space at the
table for pens and paper, then sits down and commences to write,
after putting out the other candle._)

RUD. I'm out of humor! (_A timid knock is heard at the door._) Who's
there?

MIMI. (_from without_) Pardon!

RUD. 'Tis a lady!

MIMI. Excuse me, my candle's gone out!

RUD. (_running to open the door_) Is it?

MIMI. (_standing on the threshold with an extinguished candle and a
key_)
Pray, would you--

RUD. Pray be seated a moment.

MIMI. No, I thank you.