On a freezing February morning Mimi meets Marcello, who is painting the sign of a tavern near the Barriere d’Enfer. Racked by coughing, she tells him that she has quarreled with Rodolfo because of his jealousy and begs him to help her. Rodolfo comes out of the tavern and she hides. Rodolfo then reveals to Marcello that Mimi is dying of consumption and he has not the means to provide for her. Mimi appears and she and Rodolfo embrace. They know they must part, but they decide to stay together until the spring. Meanwhile Marcello and Musetta are arguing once again.