stifling me!

RUD. (_affectionately embracing her_) Ah, Mimi!

(_From the tavern Musetta's brazen laugh is heard._)

MAR. (_running to look through the window._)
Tis Musetta that's laughing!
Laughing, flirting!
Ah! what a hussy!
I'll not allow it. (_enters the tavern impetuously_)

MIMI. (_disengaging herself from_ RUDOLPH'S _embrace._) Farewell!

RUD. (_surprised_) What! Going?

MIMI. To the home that she left
At the voice of her lover.
Sad, forsaken Mimi
Must turn back, heavy-hearted.
For love and her lover
Are gone, and she must die,
Farewell, then!
I wish you well!
Nay, listen! listen! those things,
Those few old things I've left behind me,
Within my trunk safely arc stored.
That bracelet of gold,
The prayer-book you gave me,
Pray wrap them up together in my little apron,
And I will send to fetch them.
Yet stay! Beneath the pillow
You'll find my little bonnet--
Who knows?
Maybe you'd like to keep it
To remind you of our love!
Farewell! Good-bye! I wish you well!

RUD. Then, you are going to leave me?
Yes, you are going, my little Mimi?
Ah! farewell, sweet dream of love!

MIMI. Farewell! farewell!
Glad awakenings in the morning!

RUD. Farewell, our sweet love that vanished,
Yet that your smile reviveth!

MIMI. (_playfully_) Farewell to jealousy and fury!
Farewell suspicion, and its bitter anguish!

RUD. Kisses sweet that, as poet,
I bought back with caresses!

MIMI and RUD. Lonely in winter,
With Death as sole companion!
But in glad springtime
There's the sun, the glorious sun!

(_From the tavern the sound of breaking plates and glasses is heard_)

MUS. (_from within_) What d'ye mean? What d'ye mean? (_running out_)

MAR. (_from within_)
You were laughing, you were flirting
By the fireside with that stranger!

(_stopping on the threshold of the inn and confronting _MUSETTA)

And how you colored
When I caught you in the corner!

MUS. (_defiantly_) Stuff and nonsense! all he said was:
"Are you very fond of dancing?"
And, half blushing, I made answer:
"I'd be dancing all day long, sir."

MAR. This is talk that only leads to things dishonest.

MUS. My own way I mean to have!

MAR. (_half menacing _MUSETTA)
I will teach you better manners;
Now if I catch you once more flirting--

MUS. What a bother!
Why this anger?
Why this fury?
We're not married yet, thank goodness!

MAR. You shall not do as you like, miss!
I will stop your little game!

MUS. I abhor that sort of l