TheysaidthissofunnilythatwebegantolaughandtoaskiftherewerethievesattheOpera。Theyrepliedthattherewassomethingworse，whichwastheGHOST。Webegantolaughagain，feelingsurethattheywereindulginginsomejokethatwasintendedtocrownourlittleentertainment。Then，attheirrequest，webecame`serious，’
　　resolvingtohumorthemandtoenterintothespiritofthegame。
　　Theytoldusthattheyneverwouldhavespokentousoftheghost，iftheyhadnotreceivedformalordersfromtheghosthimselftoaskustobepleasanttohimandtograntanyrequestthathemightmake。However，intheirreliefatleavingadomainwherethattyrannicalshadeheldsway，theyhadhesitateduntilthelastmomenttotellusthiscuriousstory，whichourskepticalmindswerecertainlynotpreparedtoentertain。ButtheannouncementofthedeathofJosephBuquethadservedthemasabrutalreminderthat，whenevertheyhaddisregardedtheghost’swishes，somefantasticordisastrouseventhadbroughtthemtoasenseoftheirdependence。
　　Duringtheseunexpectedutterancesmadeinatoneofthemostsecretandimportantconfidence，IlookedatRichard。Richard，inhisstudentdays，hadacquiredagreatreputationforpracticaljoking，andheseemedtorelishthedishwhichwasbeingserveduptohiminhisturn。Hedidnotmissamorselofit，thoughtheseasoningwasalittlegruesomebecauseofthedeathofBuquet。Henoddedhisheadsadly，whiletheothersspoke，andhisfeaturesassumedtheairofamanwhobitterlyregrettedhavingtakenovertheOpera，nowthatheknewthattherewasaghostmixedupinthebusiness。
　　Icouldthinkofnothingbetterthantogivehimaservileimitationofthisattitudeofdespair。However，inspiteofallourefforts，wecouldnot，atthefinish，helpburstingoutlaughinginthefacesofMM。DebienneandPoligny，who，seeinguspassstraightfromthegloomieststateofmindtooneofthemostinsolentmerriment，actedasthoughtheythoughtthatwehadgonemad。
　　Thejokebecamealittletedious。andRichardaskedhalf-seriouslyandhalfinjest：
　　`But，afterall，whatdoesthisghostofyourswant？’
　　M。Polignywenttohisdeskandreturnedwithacopyofthememorandum-book。Thememorandum-bookbeginswiththewell-knownwordssayingthat`themanagementoftheOperashallgivetotheperformanceoftheNationalAcademyofMusicthesplendorthatbecomesthefirstlyricstageinFrance’andendswithClause98，whichsaysthattheprivilegecanbewithdrawnifthemanagerinfringestheconditionsstipulatedinthememorandum-book。
　　Thisisfollowedbytheconditions，whicharefourinnumber。
　　ThecopyproducedbyM。Polignywaswritteninblackinkandexactlysimilartothatinourpossession，exceptthat，attheend，itcontainedaparagraphinredinkandinaqueer，laboredhandwriting，asthoughithadbeenproducedbydippingtheheadsofmatchesintotheink，thewritingofachildthathasnevergotbeyondthedown-strokesandhasnotlearnedtojoinitsletters。Thisparagraphran，wordforword，asfollows：
　　`5。Orifthemanager，inanymonth，delayformorethanafortnightthepaymentoftheallowancewhichheshallmaketotheOperaghost，anallowanceoftwentythousandfrancsamonth，saytwohundredandfortythousandfrancsayear。’
　　M。Polignypointedwithahesitatingfingertothislastclause，whichwecertainlydidnotexpect。
　　`Isthisall？Doeshenotwantanythingelse？’askedRichard，withthegreatestcoolness。
　　`Yes，hedoes，’repliedPoligny。
　　Andheturnedoverthepagesofthememorandum-bookuntilhecametotheclausespecifyingthedaysonwhichcertainprivateboxesweretobereservedforthefreeuseofthepresidentoftherepublic，theministersandsoon。Attheendofthisclause，alinehadbeenadded，alsoinredink：
　　`BoxFiveonthegrandtiershallbeplacedatthedisposaloftheOperaghostforeveryperformance。’
　　Whenwesawthis，therewasnothingelseforustodobuttorisefromourchairs，shakeourtwopredecessorswarmlybythehandandcongratulatethemonthinkingofthischarminglittlejoke，whichprovedthattheoldFrenchsenseofhumorwasneverlikelytobecomeextinct。RichardaddedthathenowunderstoodwhyMM。
　　DebienneandPolignywereretiringfromthemanagementoftheNationalAcademyofMusic。Businesswasimpossiblewithsounreasonableaghost。
　　`Certainly，twohundredandfortythousandfrancsarenotbepickedupfortheasking，’saidM。Poligny，withoutmovingamuscleofhisface。
　　`AndhaveyouconsideredwhatthelossoverBoxFivemeanttous？
　　Wedidnotsellitonce。andnotonlythat，butwehadtoreturnthesubscription：why，it’sawful！Wereallycan’tworktokeepghosts！
　　Weprefertogoaway！’
　　`Yes，’echoedM。Debienne，`weprefertogoaway。Letusgo。’
　　Andhestoodup。Richardsaid：`But，afterallall，itseemstomethatyouweremuchtookindtotheghost。IfIhadsuchatroublesomeghostasthat，Ishouldnothesitatetohavehimarrested。’
　　`Buthow？Where？’theycried，inchorus。`Wehaveneverseenhim！’
　　`Butwhenhecomestohisbox？’
　　’WEHAVENEVERSEENHIMINHISBOX。’
　　`Thensellit。’
　　`SelltheOperaghost’sbox！Well，gentlemen，tryit。’
　　Thereuponweallfourlefttheoffice。RichardandIhad`neverlaughedsomuchinourlives。’
　　ChapterIVBoxFiveArmandMoncharminwrotesuchvoluminousMemoirsduringthefairlylongperiodofhisco-managementthatwemaywellaskifheeverfoundtimetoattendtotheaffairsoftheOperaotherwisethanbytellingwhatwentonthere。M。Moncharmindidnotknowanoteofmusic，buthecalledtheministerofeducationandfineartsbyhisChristianname，haddabbledalittleinsocietyjournalismandenjoyedaconsiderableprivateincome。Lastly，hewasacharmingfellowandshowedthathewasnotlackinginintelligence，for，assoonashemadeuphismindtobeasleepingpartnerintheOpera，heselectedthebestpossibleactivemanagerandwentstraighttoFirminRichard。
　　FirminRichardwasaverydistinguishedcomposer，whohadpublishedanumberofsuccessfulpiecesofallkindsandwholikednearlyeveryformofmusicandeverysortofmusician。Clearly，therefore，itwasthedutyofeverysortofmusiciantolikeM。FirminRichard。
　　Theonlythingstobesaidagainsthimwerethathewasrathermasterfulinhiswaysandendowedwithaveryhastytemper。
　　ThefirstfewdayswhichthepartnersspentattheOperaweregivenovertothedelightoffindingthemselvestheheadofsomagnificentanenterprise。andtheyhadforgottenallaboutthatcurious，fantasticstoryoftheghost，whenanincidentoccurredthatprovedtothemthatthejoke——ifjokeitwere——wasnotover。
　　M。FirminRichardreachedhisofficethatmorningateleveno’clock。Hissecretary，M。Remy，showedhimhalfadozenletterswhichhehadnotopenedbecausetheyweremarkedprivate。
　　OneofthelettershadatonceattractedRichard’sattentionnotonlybecausetheenvelopewasaddressedinredink，butbecauseheseemedtohaveseenthewritingbefore。Hesoonrememberdthatitwastheredhandwritinginwhichthememorandum-bookhadbeensocuriouslycompleted。Herecognizedtheclumsychildishhand。
　　Heopenedtheletterandread：
　　DEARMR。MANAGER：
　　Iamsorrytohavetotroubleyouatatimewhenyoumustbesoverybusy，renewingimportantengagements，signingfreshonesandgenerallydisplayingyourexcellenttaste。IknowwhatyouhavedoneforCarlotta，SorelliandlittleJammesandforafewotherswhoseadmirablequalitiesoftalentorgeniusyouhavesuspected。
　　Ofcourse，whenIusethesewords，IdonotmeantoapplythemtoLaCarlotta，whosingslikeasquirtandwhooughtnevertohavebeenallowedtoleavetheAmbassadeursandtheCafeJacquin。
　　nortoLaSorelli，whooweshersuccessmainlytothecoach-builders。
　　nortolittleJammes，whodanceslikeacalfinafield。AndIamnotspeakingofChristineDaaeeither，thoughhergeniusiscertain，whereasyourjealousypreventsherfromcreatinganyimportantpart。
　　Whenallissaid，youarefreetoconductyourlittlebusinessasyouthinkbest，areyounot？
　　Allthesame，IshouldliketotakeadvantageofthefactthatyouhavenotyetturnedChristineDaaeoutofdoorsbyhearingherthiseveninginthepartofSiebel，asthatofMargaritahasbeenforbiddenhersincehertriumphoftheotherevening。andIwillaskyounottodisposeofmyboxto-daynorontheFOLLOWINGDAYS，forIcannotendthisletterwithouttellingyouhowdisagreeablysurprisedIhavebeenonceortwice，tohear，onarrivingattheOpera，thatmyboxhadbeensold，atthebox-office，byyourorders。
　　Ididnotprotest，first，becauseIdislikescandal，and，second，becauseIthoughtthatyourpredecessors，MM。DebienneandPoligny，whowerealwayscharmingtome，hadneglected，beforeleaving，tomentionmylittlefadstoyou。Ihavenowreceivedareplyfromthosegentlementomyletteraskingforanexplanation，andthisreplyprovesthatyouknowallaboutmyMemorandum-Bookand，consequently，thatyouaretreatingmewithoutrageouscontempt。
　　IFYOUWISHTOLIVEINPEACE，YOUMUSTNOTBEGINBYTAKINGAWAY
　　MYPRIVATEBOX。
　　Believemetobe，dearMr。Manager，withoutprejudicetotheselittleobservations，YourMostHumbleandObedientServant，OPERAGHOST。
　　Theletterwasaccompaniedbyacuttingfromtheagony-columnoftheRevueTheatrale，whichran：
　　O。G——ThereisnoexcuseforR。andM。Wetoldthemandleftyourmemorandum-bookintheirhands。Kindregards。
　　M。FirminRichardhadhardlyfinishedreadingthisletterwhenM。ArmandMoncharminentered，carryingoneexactlysimilar。
　　Theylookedateachotherandburstoutlaughing。
　　Theyarekeepingupthejoke，saidM。Richard，butIdon’tcallitfunny。
　　Whatdoesitallmean？askedM。Moncharmin。Dotheyimaginethat，becausetheyhavebeenmanagersoftheOpera，wearegoingtoletthemhaveaboxforanindefiniteperiod？
　　Iamnotinthemoodtoletmyselfbelaughedatlong，
　　saidFirminRichard。
　　It’sharmlessenough，observedArmandMoncharmin。Whatisittheyreallywant？Aboxforto-night？
　　M。FirminRichardtoldhissecretarytosendBoxFiveonthegrandtiertoMm。DebienneandPoligny，ifitwasnotsold。Itwasnot。
　　Itwassentofftothem。DebiennelivedatthecorneroftheRueScribeandtheBoulevarddesCapucines。Poligny，intheRueAuber。
　　O。Ghost’stwolettershadbeenpostedattheBoulevarddesCapucinespost-office，asMoncharminremarkedafterexaminingtheenvelopes。
　　Yousee！saidRichard。
　　Theyshruggedtheirshouldersandregrettedthattwomenofthatageshouldamusethemselveswithsuchchildishtricks。
　　Theymighthavebeencivil，forallthat！saidMoncharmin。
　　DidyounoticehowtheytreatuswithregardtoCarlotta，SorelliandLittleJammes？
　　Why，mydearfellow，thesetwoaremadwithjealousy！Tothinkthattheywenttotheexpenseof，anadvertisementintheRevueTheatrale！
　　Havetheynothingbettertodo？
　　Bytheway，saidMoncharmin，theyseemtobegreatlyinterestedinthatlittleChristineDaae！
　　YouknowaswellasIdothatshehasthereputationofbeingquitegood，saidRichard。
　　Reputationsareeasilyobtained，repliedMoncharmin。Haven’tI
　　areputationforknowingallaboutmusic？AndIdon’tknowonekeyfromanother。
　　Don’tbeafraid：youneverhadthatreputation，Richarddeclared。
　　Thereuponheorderedtheartiststobeshownin，who，forthelasttwohours，hadbeenwalkingupanddownoutsidethedoorbehindwhichfameandfortune——ordismissal——awaitedthem。
　　Thewholedaywasspentindiscussing，negotiating，signingorcancellingcontracts。andthetwooverworkedmanagerswenttobedearly，withoutsomuchascastingaglanceatBoxFivetoseewhetherM。DebienneandM。Polignywereenjoyingtheperformance。
　　Nextmorning，themanagersreceivedacardofthanksfromtheghost：
　　DEAR，MR。MANAGER：
　　Thanks。Charmingevening。Daaeexquisite。Choruseswantwakingup。
　　Carlottaasplendidcommonplaceinstrument。Willwriteyousoonforthe240，000francs，or233，424fr。70c。，tobecorrect。
　　Mm。DebienneandPolignyhavesentmethe6，575fr。30c。
　　representingthefirsttendaysofmyallowanceforthecurrentyear。
　　theirprivilegesfinishedontheeveningofthetenthinst。
　　Kindregards。O。G。
　　Ontheotherhand，therewasaletterfromMm。DebienneandPoligny：
　　GENTLEMEN：
　　Wearemuchobligedforyourkindthoughtofus，butyouwilleasilyunderstandthattheprospectofagainhearingFaust，pleasantthoughitistoex-managersoftheOpera，cannotmakeusforgetthatwehavenorighttooccupyBoxFiveonthegrandtier，whichistheexclusivepropertyofHIMofwhomwespoketoyouwhenwewentthroughthememorandum-bookwithyouforthelasttime。
　　SeeClause98，finalparagraph。
　　Accept，gentlemen，etc。
　　Oh，thosefellowsarebeginningtoannoyme！shoutedFirminRichard，snatchinguptheletter。
　　AndthateveningBoxFivewassold。
　　Thenextmorning，Mm。RichardandMoncharmin，onreachingtheiroffice，foundaninspector’sreportrelatingtoanincidentthathadhappened，thenightbefore，inBoxFive。Igivetheessentialpartofthereport：
　　Iwasobligedtocallinamunicipalguardtwice，thisevening，toclearBoxFiveonthegrandtier，onceatthebeginningandonceinthemiddleofthesecondact。Theoccupants，whoarrivedasthecurtainroseonthesecondact，createdaregularscandalbytheirlaughterandtheirridiculousobservations。TherewerecriesofHush！allaroundthemandthewholehousewasbeginningtoprotest，whenthebox-keepercametofetchme。IenteredtheboxandsaidwhatIthoughtnecessary。Thepeopledidnotseemtometobeintheirrightmind。andtheymadestupidremarks。
　　Isaidthat，ifthenoisewasrepeated，Ishouldbecompelledtoclearthebox。ThemomentIleft，Iheardthelaughingagain，withfreshprotestsfromthehouse。Ireturnedwithamunicipalguard，whoturnedthemout。Theyprotested，stilllaughing，sayingtheywouldnotgounlesstheyhadtheirmoneyback。Atlast，theybecamequietandIallowedthemtoentertheboxagain。
　　Thelaughteratoncerecommenced。and，thistime，Ihadthemturnedoutdefinitely。
　　Sendfortheinspector，saidRichardtohissecretary，whohadalreadyreadthereportandmarkeditwithbluepencil。
　　M。Remy，thesecretary，hadforeseentheorderandcalledtheinspectoratonce。
　　Telluswhathappened，saidRichardbluntly。
　　Theinspectorbegantosplutterandreferredtothereport。
　　Well，butwhatwerethosepeoplelaughingat？askedMoncharmin。
　　Theymusthavebeendining，sir，andseemedmoreinclinedtolarkaboutthantolistentogoodmusic。Themomenttheyenteredthebox，theycameoutagainandcalledthebox-keeper，whoaskedthemwhattheywanted。Theysaid，`Lookinthebox：there’snoonethere，isthere？’`No，’saidthewoman。`Well，’saidthey，`whenwewentin，weheardavoicesayingTHATTHEBOXWASTAKEN！’
　　M。MoncharmincouldnothelpsmilingashelookedatM。Richard。
　　butM。Richarddidnotsmile。Hehimselfhaddonetoomuchinthatwayinhistimenottorecognize，intheinspector’sstory，allthemarksofoneofthosepracticaljokeswhichbeginbyamusingandendbyenragingthevictims。Theinspector，tocurryfavorwithM。Moncharmin，whowassmiling，thoughtitbesttogiveasmiletoo。Amostunfortunatesmile！M。Richardglaredathissubordinate，whothenceforthmadeithisbusinesstodisplayafaceofutterconsternation。
　　However，whenthepeoplearrived，roaredRichard，therewasnooneinthebox，wasthere？
　　Notasoul，sir，notasoul！Norintheboxontheright，norintheboxontheleft：notasoul，sir，Iswear！Thebox-keepertolditmeoftenenough，whichprovesthatitwasallajoke。
　　Oh，youagree，doyou？saidRichard。Youagree！It’sajoke！
　　Andyouthinkitfunny，nodoubt？
　　Ithinkitinverybadtaste，sir。
　　Andwhatdidthebox-keepersay？
　　Oh，shejustsaidthatitwastheOperaghost。That’sallshesaid！
　　Andtheinspectorgrinned。Buthesoonfoundthathehadmadeamistakeingrinning，forthewordshadnosoonerlefthismouththanM。Richard，fromgloomy，becamefurious。
　　Sendforthebox-keeper！heshouted。Sendforher！Thisminute！
　　Thisminute！Andbringherintomehere！Andturnallthosepeopleout！
　　Theinspectortriedtoprotest，butRichardclosedhismouthwithanangryordertoholdhistongue。Then，whenthewretchedman’slipsseemedshutforever，themanagercommandedhimtoopenthemoncemore。
　　Whoisthis`Operaghost？’hesnarled。
　　Buttheinspectorwasbythistimeincapableofspeakingaword。
　　Hemanagedtoconvey，byadespairinggesture，thatheknewnothingaboutit，orratherthathedidnotwishtoknow。
　　Haveyoueverseenhim，haveyouseentheOperaghost？
　　Theinspector，bymeansofavigorousshakeofthehead，deniedeverhavingseentheghostinquestion。
　　Verywell！saidM。Richardcoldly。
　　Theinspector’seyesstartedoutofhishead，asthoughtoaskwhythemanagerhadutteredthatominousVerywell！
　　BecauseI’mgoingtosettletheaccountofanyonewhohasnotseenhim！explainedthemanager。Asheseemstobeeverywhere，Ican’thavepeopletellingmethattheyseehimnowhere。
　　IlikepeopletoworkformewhenIemploythem！
　　Havingsaidthis，M。Richardpaidnoattentiontotheinspectoranddiscussedvariousmattersofbusinesswithhisacting-manager，whohadenteredtheroommeanwhile。Theinspectorthoughthecouldgoandwasgently——oh，sogently！——sidlingtowardthedoor，whenM。Richardnailedthemantothefloorwithathundering：
　　Staywhereyouare！
　　M。Remyhadsentforthebox-keepertotheRuedeProvence，closetotheOpera，whereshewasengagedasaporteress。
　　Shesoonmadeherappearance。
　　What’syourname？
　　Mme。Giry。Youknowmewellenough，sir。I’mthemotheroflittleGiry，littleMeg，what！
　　Thiswassaidinsoroughandsolemnatonethat，foramoment，M。Richardwasimpressed。HelookedatMme。Giry，inherfadedshawl，herwornshoes，heroldtaffetadressanddingybonnet。Itwasquiteevidentfromthemanager’sattitude，thatheeitherdidnotknoworcouldnotrememberhavingmetMme。Giry，norevenlittleGiry，norevenlittleMeg！ButMme。Giry’spridewassogreatthatthecelebratedbox-keeperimaginedthateverybodyknewher。
　　Neverheardofher！themanagerdeclared。Butthat’snoreason，Mme。Giry，whyIshouldn’taskyouwhathappenedlastnighttomakeyouandtheinspectorcallinamunicipalguardIwasjustwantingtoseeyou，sir，andtalktoyouaboutit，sothatyoumightn’thavethesameunpleasantnessasM。DebienneandM。Poligny。Theywouldn’tlistentomeeither，atfirst。
　　I’mnotaskingyouaboutallthat。I’maskingwhathappenedlastnight。
　　Mme。Giryturnedpurplewithindignation。Neverhadshebeenspokentolikethat。Sheroseasthoughtogo，gatheringupthefoldsofherskirtandwavingthefeathersofherdingybonnetwithdignity，but，changinghermind，shesatdownagainandsaid，inahaughtyvoice：
　　I’lltellyouwhathappened。Theghostwasannoyedagain！
　　Thereupon，asM。Richardwasonthepointofburstingout，M。Moncharmininterferedandconductedtheinterrogatory，whenceitappearedthatMme。Girythoughtitquitenaturalthatavoiceshouldbeheardtosaythataboxwastaken，whentherewasnobodyinthebox。
　　Shewasunabletoexplainthisphenomenon，whichwasnotnewtoher，exceptbytheinterventionoftheghost。Nobodycouldseetheghostinhisbox，buteverybodycouldhearhim。Shehadoftenheardhim。
　　andtheycouldbelieveher，forshealwaysspokethetruth。
　　TheycouldaskM。DebienneandM。Poligny，andanybodywhoknewher。
　　andalsoM。IsidoreSaack，whohadhadalegbrokenbytheghost！
　　Indeed！saidMoncharmin，interruptingher。DidtheghostbreakpoorIsidoreSaack’sleg？
　　Mme。Giryopenedhereyeswithastonishmentatsuchignorance。
　　However，sheconsentedtoenlightenthosetwopoorinnocents。
　　ThethinghadhappenedinM。DebienneandM。Poligny’stime，alsoinBoxFiveandalsoduringaperformanceofFAUST。Mme。Girycoughed，clearedherthroat——itsoundedasthoughshewerepreparingtosingthewholeofGounod’sscore——andbegan：
　　Itwaslikethis，sir。Thatnight，M。Manieraandhislady，thejewelersintheRueMogador，weresittinginthefrontofthebox，withtheirgreatfriend，M。IsidoreSaack，sittingbehindMme。Maniera。
　　Mephistopheleswassinging——Mme。Giryhereburstintosongherself——
　　`Catarina，whileyouplayatsleeping，’andthenM。Manieraheardavoiceinhisrightearhiswifewasonhisleftsaying，`Ha，ha！
　　Julie’snotplayingatsleeping！’HiswifehappenedtobecalledJulie。So。M。Manieraturnstotherighttoseewhowastalkingtohimlikethat。Nobodythere！Herubshisearandaskshimself，ifhe’sdreaming。ThenMephistopheleswentonwithhisserenade……But，perhapsI’mboringyougentlemen？
　　No，no，goon。
　　Youaretoogood，gentlemen，withasmirk。Well，then，Mephistopheleswentonwithhisserenade——Mme。Giry，burstintosongagain——`Saint，unclosethyportalsholyandaccordthebliss，toamortalbendinglowly，ofapardon-kiss。’AndthenM。Manieraagainhearsthevoiceinhisrightear，saying，thistime，`Ha，ha！
　　Juliewouldn’tmindaccordingakisstoIsidore！’Thenheturnsroundagain，but，thistime，totheleft。andwhatdoyouthinkhesees？Isidore，whohadtakenhislady’shandandwascoveringitwithkissesthroughthelittleroundplaceintheglove——
　　likethis，gentlemen——rapturouslykissingthebitofpalmleftbareinthemiddleofherthreadgloves。Thentheyhadalivelytimebetweenthem！Bang！Bang！M。Maniera，whowasbigandstrong，likeyou，M。Richard，gavetwoblowstoM。IsidoreSaack，whowassmallandweaklikeM。Moncharmin，savinghispresence。
　　Therewasagreatuproar。Peopleinthehouseshouted，`Thatwilldo！
　　Stopthem！He’llkillhim！’Then，atlast，M。IsidoreSaackmanagedtorunaway。
　　Thentheghosthadnotbrokenhisleg？askedM。Moncharmin，alittlevexedthathisfigurehadmadesolittleimpressiononMme。Giry。
　　Hedidbreakitforhim，sir，repliedMme。Giryhaughtily。
　　Hebrokeitforhimonthegrandstaircase，whichherandowntoofast，sir，anditwillbelongbeforethepoorgentlemanwillbeabletogoupitagain！
　　DidtheghosttellyouwhathesaidinM。Maniera’srightear？
　　askedM。Moncharmin，withagravitywhichhethoughtexceedinglyhumorous。
　　No，sir，itwasM。Manierahimself。So——
　　Butyouhavespokentotheghost，mygoodlady？
　　AsI’mspeakingtoyounow，mygoodsir！Mme。Giryreplied。
　　And，whentheghostspeakstoyou，whatdoeshesay？
　　Well，hetellsmetobringhimafootstool！
　　Thistime，Richardburstoutlaughing，asdidMoncharminandRemy，thesecretary。Onlytheinspector，warnedbyexperience，wascarefulnottolaugh，whileMme。Giryventuredtoadoptanattitudethatwaspositivelythreatening。
　　Insteadoflaughing，shecriedindignantly，you’ddobettertodoasM。Polignydid，whofoundoutforhimself。
　　Foundoutaboutwhat？askedMoncharmin，whohadneverbeensomuchamusedinhislife。
　　Abouttheghost，ofcourse！……Lookhere……
　　Shesuddenlycalmedherself，feelingthatthiswasasolemnmomentinherlife：
　　LOOKHERE，sherepeated。TheywereplayingLaJuive。M。Polignythoughthewouldwatchtheperformancefromtheghost’sbox……Well，whenLeopoldcries，`Letusfly！’——youknow——andEleazerstopsthemandsays，`Whithergoye？’……well，M。Poligny——
　　Iwaswatchinghimfromthebackofthenextbox，whichwasempty——
　　M。Polignygotupandwalkedoutquitestiffly，likeastatue，andbeforeIhadtimetoaskhim，`Whithergoye？’likeEleazer，hewasdownthestaircase，butwithoutbreakinghisleg。
　　Still，thatdoesn’tletusknowhowtheOperaghostcametoaskyouforafootstool，insistedM。Moncharmin。
　　Well，fromthatevening，noonetriedtotaketheghost’sprivateboxfromhim。Themanagergaveordersthathewastohaveitateachperformance。And，wheneverhecame，heaskedmeforafootstool。
　　Tut，tut！Aghostaskingforafootstool！Thenthisghostofyoursisawoman？
　　No，theghostisaman。
　　Howdoyouknow？
　　Hehasaman’svoice，oh，suchalovelyman’svoice！Thisiswhathappens：Whenhecomestotheopera，it’susuallyinthemiddleofthefirstact。HegivesthreelittletapsonthedoorofBoxFive。
　　ThefirsttimeIheardthosethreetaps，whenIknewtherewasnooneinthebox，youcanthinkhowpuzzledIwas！Iopenedthedoor，listened，looked。nobody！AndthenIheardavoicesay，`Mme。Jules’mypoorhusband’snamewasJules——`afootstool，please。’
　　Savingyourpresence，gentlemen，itmademefeelall-overishlike。
　　Butthevoicewenton，`Don’tbefrightened，Mme。Jules，I’mtheOperaghost！’AndthevoicewassosoftandkindthatIhardlyfeltfrightened。THEVOICEWASSITTINGINTHECORNERCHAIR，ONTHERIGHT，INTHEFRONTROW。
　　WasthereanyoneintheboxontherightofBoxFive？
　　askedMoncharmin。
　　No。BoxSeven，andBoxThree，theoneontheleft，werebothempty。
　　Thecurtainhadonlyjustgoneup。
　　Andwhatdidyoudo？
　　Well，Ibroughtthefootstool。Ofcourse，itwasn’tforhimselfhewantedit，butforhislady！ButIneverheardhernorsawher。
　　Eh？What？Sonowtheghostismarried！TheeyesofthetwomanagerstraveledfromMme。Girytotheinspector，who，standingbehindthebox-keeper，waswavinghisarmstoattracttheirattention。
　　Hetappedhisforeheadwithadistressfulforefinger，toconveyhisopinionthatthewidowJulesGirywasmostcertainlymad，apieceofpantomimewhichconfirmedM。Richardinhisdeterminationtogetridofaninspectorwhokeptalunaticinhisservice。
　　Meanwhile，theworthyladywentonaboutherghost，nowpaintinghisgenerosity：
　　Attheendoftheperformance，healwaysgivesmetwofrancs，sometimesfive，sometimeseventen，whenhehasbeenmanydayswithoutcoming。Only，sincepeoplehavebeguntoannoyhimagain，hegivesmenothingatall。
　　Excuseme，mygoodwoman，saidMoncharmin，whileMme。Girytossedthefeathersinherdingyhatatthispersistentfamiliarity，excuseme，howdoestheghostmanagetogiveyouyourtwofrancs？
　　Why，heleavesthemonthelittleshelfinthebox，ofcourse。
　　Ifindthemwiththeprogram，whichIalwaysgivehim。Someevenings，Ifindflowersinthebox，arosethatmusthavedroppedfromhislady’sbodice……forhebringsaladywithhimsometimes。oneday，theyleftafanbehindthem。
　　Oh，theghostleftafan，didhe？Andwhatdidyoudowithit？
　　Well，Ibroughtitbacktotheboxnextnight。
　　Heretheinspector’svoicewasraised。
　　You’vebrokentherules。Ishallhavetofineyou，Mme。Giry。
　　Holdyourtongue，youfool！mutteredM。FirminRichard。
　　Youbroughtbackthefan。Andthen？
　　Well，then，theytookitawaywiththem，sir。itwasnotthereattheendoftheperformance。andinitsplacetheyleftmeaboxofEnglishsweets，whichI’mveryfondof。That’soneoftheghost’sprettythoughts。
　　Thatwilldo，Mme。Giry。Youcango。
　　WhenMme。Giryhadbowedherselfout，withthedignitythatneverdesertedher，themanagertoldtheinspectorthattheyhaddecidedtodispensewiththatoldmadwoman’sservices。and，whenhehadgoneinhisturn，theyinstructedtheacting-managertomakeuptheinspector’saccounts。Leftalone，themanagerstoldeachotheroftheideawhichtheybothhadinmind，whichwasthattheyshouldlookintothatlittlematterofBoxFivethemselves。
　　ChapterVTheEnchantedViolinChristineDaae，owingtointriguestowhichIwillreturnlater，didnotimmediatelycontinuehertriumphattheOpera。Afterthefamousgalanight，shesangonceattheDuchessdeZurich’s。
　　butthiswasthelastoccasiononwhichshewasheardinprivate。
　　Sherefused，withoutplausibleexcuse，toappearatacharityconcerttowhichshehadpromisedherassistance。Sheactedthroughoutasthoughshewerenolongerthemistressofherowndestinyandasthoughshefearedafreshtriumph。
　　SheknewthattheComtedeChagny，topleasehisbrother，haddonehisbestonherbehalfwithM。Richard。andshewrotetothankhimandalsotoaskhimtoceasespeakinginherfavor。Herreasonforthiscuriousattitudewasneverknown。Somepretendedthatitwasduetooverweeningpride。othersspokeofherheavenlymodesty。
　　Butpeopleonthestagearenotsomodestasallthat。andIthinkthatIshallnotbefarfromthetruthifIascribeheractionsimplytofear。Yes，IbelievethatChristineDaaewasfrightenedbywhathadhappenedtoher。IhavealetterofChristine’sitformspartofthePersian’scollection，relatingtothisperiod，whichsuggestsafeelingofabsolutedismay：
　　Idon’tknowmyselfwhenIsing，writesthepoorchild。
　　Sheshowedherselfnowhere。andtheVicomtedeChagnytriedinvaintomeether。Hewrotetoher，askingtocalluponher，butdespairedofreceivingareplywhen，onemorning，shesenthimthefollowingnote：
　　MONSIEUR：
　　Ihavenotforgottenthelittleboywhowentintotheseatorescuemyscarf。IfeelthatImustwritetoyouto-day，whenIamgoingtoPerros，infulfilmentofasacredduty。
　　To-morrowistheanniversaryofthedeathofmypoorfather，whomyouknewandwhowasveryfondofyou。Heisburiedthere，withhisviolin，inthegraveyardofthelittlechurch，atthebottomoftheslopewhereweusedtoplayaschildren，besidetheroadwhere，whenwewerealittlebigger，wesaidgood-byforthelasttime。
　　TheVicomtedeChagnyhurriedlyconsultedarailwayguide，dressedasquicklyashecould，wroteafewlinesforhisvalettotaketohisbrotherandjumpedintoacabwhichbroughthimtotheGareMontparnassejustintimetomissthemorningtrain。
　　Hespentadismaldayintownanddidnotrecoverhisspiritsuntiltheevening，whenhewasseatedinhiscompartmentintheBrittanyexpress。HereadChristine’snoteoverandoveragain，smellingitsperfume，recallingthesweetpicturesofhischildhood，andspenttherestofthattediousnightjourneyinfeverishdreamsthatbeganandendedwithChristineDaae。DaywasbreakingwhenhealightedatLannion。HehurriedtothediligenceforPerros-Guirec。
　　Hewastheonlypassenger。Hequestionedthedriverandlearnedthat，ontheeveningofthepreviousday，ayoungladywholookedlikeaParisianhadgonetoPerrosandputupattheinnknownastheSettingSun。
　　Thenearerhedrewtoher，themorefondlyherememberedthestoryofthelittleSwedishsinger。Mostofthedetailsarestillunknowntothepublic。
　　Therewasonce，inalittlemarket-townnotfarfromUpsala，apeasantwholivedtherewithhisfamily，diggingtheearthduringtheweekandsinginginthechoironSundays。Thispeasanthadalittledaughtertowhomhetaughtthemusicalalphabetbeforesheknewhowtoread。
　　Daae’sfatherwasagreatmusician，perhapswithoutknowingit。
　　NotafiddlerthroughoutthelengthandbreadthofScandinaviaplayedashedid。Hisreputationwaswidespreadandhewasalwaysinvitedtosetthecouplesdancingatweddingsandotherfestivals。
　　HiswifediedwhenChristinewasenteringuponhersixthyear。
　　Thenthefather，whocaredonlyforhisdaughterandhismusic，soldhispatchofgroundandwenttoUpsalainsearchoffameandfortune。
　　Hefoundnothingbutpoverty。
　　Hereturnedtothecountry，wanderingfromfairtofair，strumminghisScandinavianmelodies，whilehischild，whoneverlefthisside，listenedtohiminesctasyorsangtohisplaying。
　　Oneday，atLjimbyFair，ProfessorValeriusheardthemandtookthemtoGothenburg。Hemaintainedthatthefatherwasthefirstviolinistintheworldandthatthedaughterhadthemakingofagreatartist。Hereducationandinstructionwereprovidedfor。
　　Shemaderapidprogressandcharmedeverybodywithherprettiness，hergraceofmannerandhergenuineeagernesstoplease。
　　WhenValeriusandhiswifewenttosettleinFrance，theytookDaaeandChristinewiththem。MammaValeriustreatedChristineasherdaughter。AsforDaae，hebegantopineawaywithhomesickness。
　　HeneverwentoutofdoorsinParis，butlivedinasortofdreamwhichhekeptupwithhisviolin。Forhoursatatime，heremainedlockedupinhisbedroomwithhisdaughter，fiddlingandsinging，very，verysoftly。SometimesMammaValeriuswouldcomeandlistenbehindthedoor，wipeawayatearandgodown-stairsagainontiptoe，sighingforherScandinavianskies。
　　Daaeseemednottorecoverhisstrengthuntilthesummer，whenthewholefamilywenttostayatPerros-Guirec，inafar-awaycornerofBrittany，wheretheseawasofthesamecolorasinhisowncountry。Oftenhewouldplayhissaddesttunesonthebeachandpretendthattheseastoppeditsroaringtolistentothem。
　　AndthenheinducedMammaValeriustoindulgeaqueerwhimofhis。
　　Atthetimeofthepardons，orBretonpilgrimages，thevillagefestivalanddances，hewentoffwithhisfiddle，asintheolddays，andwasallowedtotakehisdaughterwithhimforaweek。
　　Theygavethesmallesthamletsmusictolastthemforayearandsleptatnightinabarn，refusingabedattheinn，lyingclosetogetheronthestraw，aswhentheyweresopoorinSweden。
　　Atthesametime，theywereveryneatlydressed，madenocollection，refusedthehalfpenceofferedthem。andthepeoplearoundcouldnotunderstandtheconductofthisrusticfiddler，whotrampedtheroadswiththatprettychildwhosanglikeanangelfromHeaven。
　　Theyfollowedthemfromvillagetovillage。
　　Oneday，alittleboy，whowasoutwithhisgoverness，madehertakealongerwalkthanheintended，forhecouldnottearhimselffromthelittlegirlwhosepure，sweetvoiceseemedtobindhimtoher。
　　TheycametotheshoreofaninletwhichisstillcalledTrestraou，butwhichnow，Ibelieve，harborsacasinoorsomethingofthesort。
　　Atthattime，therewasnothingbutskyandseaandastretchofgoldenbeach。Only，therewasalsoahighwind，whichblewChristine’sscarfouttosea。Christinegaveacryandputoutherarms，butthescarfwasalreadyfaronthewaves。Thensheheardavoicesay：
　　It’sallright，I’llgoandfetchyourscarfoutofthesea。
　　Andshesawalittleboyrunningfast，inspiteoftheoutcriesandtheindignantprotestsofaworthyladyinblack。Thelittleboyranintothesea，dressedashewas，andbroughtherbackherscarf。
　　Boyandscarfwerebothsoakedthrough。Theladyinblackmadeagreatfuss，butChristinelaughedmerrilyandkissedthelittleboy，whowasnoneotherthantheVicomteRaouldeChagny，stayingatLannionwithhisaunt。
　　Duringtheseason，theysaweachotherandplayedtogetheralmosteveryday。Attheaunt’srequest，secondedbyProfessorValerius，Daaeconsentedtogivetheyoungviscountsomeviolinlessons。
　　Inthisway，RaoullearnedtolovethesameairsthathadcharmedChristine’schildhood。Theyalsobothhadthesamecalmanddreamylittlecastofmind。Theydelightedinstories，inoldBretonlegends。
　　andtheirfavoritesportwastogoandaskforthematthecottage-doors，likebeggars：
　　Ma’am……or，Kindgentleman……haveyoualittlestorytotellus，please？
　　Anditseldomhappenedthattheydidnothaveonegiventhem。
　　fornearlyeveryoldBretongrandamehas，atleastonceinherlife，seenthekorrigansdancebymoonlightontheheather。
　　Buttheirgreattreatwas，inthetwilight，inthegreatsilenceoftheevening，afterthesunhadsetinthesea，whenDaaecameandsatdownbythemontheroadsideand，inalowvoice，asthoughfearinglestheshouldfrightentheghostswhomheevoked，toldthemthelegendsofthelandoftheNorth。And，themomenthestopped，thechildrenwouldaskformore。
　　Therewasonestorythatbegan：
　　Akingsatinalittleboatononeofthosedeep，stilllakesthatopenlikeabrighteyeinthemidstoftheNorwegianmountains……
　　Andanother：
　　LittleLottethoughtofeverythingandnothing。Herhairwasgoldenasthesun’sraysandhersoulasclearandblueashereyes。
　　Shewheedledhermother，waskindtoherdoll，tookgreatcareofherfrockandherlittleredshoesandherfiddle，butmostofallloved，whenshewenttosleep，toheartheAngelofMusic。
　　Whiletheoldmantoldthisstory，RaoullookedatChristine’sblueeyesandgoldenhair。andChristinethoughtthatLottewasveryluckytoheartheAngelofMusicwhenshewenttosleep。
　　TheAngelofMusicplayedapartinallDaddyDaae’stales。
　　andhemaintainedthateverygreatmusician，everygreatartistreceivedavisitfromtheAngelatleastonceinhislife。
　　SometimestheAngelleansovertheircradle，ashappenedtoLotte，andthatishowtherearelittleprodigieswhoplaythefiddleatsixbetterthanmenatfifty，which，youmustadmit，isverywonderful。Sometimes，theAngelcomesmuchlater，becausethechildrenarenaughtyandwon’tlearntheirlessonsorpractisetheirscales。And，sometimes，hedoesnotcomeatall，becausethechildrenhaveabadheartorabadconscience。
　　NooneeverseestheAngel。butheisheardbythosewhoaremeanttohearhim。Heoftencomeswhentheyleastexpecthim，whentheyaresadanddisheartened。Thentheirearssuddenlyperceivecelestialharmonies，adivinevoice，whichtheyrememberalltheirlives。
　　PersonswhoarevisitedbytheAngelquiverwithathrillunknowntotherestofmankind。Andtheycannottouchaninstrument，oropentheirmouthstosing，withoutproducingsoundsthatputallotherhumansoundstoshame。ThenpeoplewhodonotknowthattheAngelhasvisitedthosepersonssaythattheyhavegenius。
　　LittleChristineaskedherfatherifhehadheardtheAngelofMusic。
　　ButDaddyDaaeshookhisheadsadly。andthenhiseyeslitup，ashesaid：
　　Youwillhearhimoneday，mychild！WhenIaminHeaven，Iwillsendhimtoyou！
　　Daddywasbeginningtocoughatthattime。
　　Threeyearslater，RaoulandChristinemetagainatPerros。
　　ProfessorValeriuswasdead，buthiswidowremainedinFrancewithDaddyDaaeandhisdaughter，whocontinuedtoplaytheviolinandsing，wrappingintheirdreamofharmonytheirkindpatroness，whoseemedhenceforthtoliveonmusicalone。Theyoungman，ashenowwas，hadcometoPerrosonthechanceoffindingthemandwentstraighttothehouseinwhichtheyusedtostay。
　　Hefirstsawtheoldman。andthenChristineentered，carryingthetea-tray。SheflushedatthesightofRaoul，whowentuptoherandkissedher。Sheaskedhimafewquestions，performedherdutiesashostessprettily，tookupthetrayagainandlefttheroom。
　　Thensheranintothegardenandtookrefugeonabench，apreytofeelingsthatstirredheryoungheartforthefirsttime。
　　Raoulfollowedherandtheytalkedtilltheevening，veryshyly。
　　Theywerequitechanged，cautiousastwodiplomatists，andtoldeachotherthingsthathadnothingtodowiththeirbuddingsentiments。
　　Whentheytookleaveofeachotherbytheroadside，Raoul，pressingakissonChristine’stremblinghand，said：
　　Mademoiselle，Ishallneverforgetyou！
　　Andhewentawayregrettinghiswords，forheknewthatChristinecouldnotbethewifeoftheVicomtedeChagny。
　　AsforChristine，shetriednottothinkofhimanddevotedherselfwhollytoherart。Shemadewonderfulprogressandthosewhoheardherprophesiedthatshewouldbethegreatestsingerintheworld。
　　Meanwhile，thefatherdied。and，suddenly，sheseemedtohavelost，withhim，hervoice，hersoulandhergenius。Sheretainedjust，butonlyjust，enoughofthistoentertheCONSERVATOIRE，whereshedidnotdistinguishherselfatall，attendingtheclasseswithoutenthusiasmandtakingaprizeonlytopleaseoldMammaValerius，withwhomshecontinuedtolive。
　　ThefirsttimethatRaoulsawChristineattheOpera，hewascharmedbythegirl’sbeautyandbythesweetimagesofthepastwhichitevoked，butwasrathersurprisedatthenegativesideofherart。
　　Hereturnedtolistentoher。Hefollowedherinthewings。HewaitedforherbehindaJacob’sladder。Hetriedtoattractherattention。
　　Morethanonce，hewalkedafterhertothedoorofherbox，butshedidnotseehim。Sheseemed，forthatmatter，toseenobody。
　　Shewasallindifference。Raoulsuffered，forshewasverybeautifulandhewasshyanddarednotconfesshislove，eventohimself。
　　Andthencamethelightning-flashofthegalaperformance：
　　theheavenstornasunderandanangel’svoicehearduponearthforthedelightofmankindandtheuttercaptureofhisheart。
　　Andthen……andthentherewasthatman’svoicebehindthedoor——Youmustloveme！——andnooneintheroom……
　　Whydidshelaughwhenheremindedheroftheincidentofthescarf？
　　Whydidshenotrecognizehim？Andwhyhadshewrittentohim？……
　　Perroswasreachedatlast。Raoulwalkedintothesmokysitting-roomoftheSettingSunandatoncesawChristinestandingbeforehim，smilingandshowingnoastonishment。
　　Soyouhavecome，shesaid。IfeltthatIshouldfindyouhere，whenIcamebackfrommass。Someonetoldmeso，atthechurch。
　　Who？askedRaoul，takingherlittlehandinhis。
　　Why，mypoorfather，whoisdead。
　　Therewasasilence。andthenRaoulasked：
　　DidyourfathertellyouthatIloveyou，Christine，andthatI
　　cannotlivewithoutyou？
　　Christineblushedtotheeyesandturnedawayherhead。
　　Inatremblingvoice，shesaid：
　　Me？Youaredreaming，myfriend！
　　Andsheburstoutlaughing，toputherselfincountenance。
　　Don’tlaugh，Christine。Iamquiteserious，Raoulanswered。
　　Andsherepliedgravely：Ididnotmakeyoucometotellmesuchthingsasthat。
　　You`mademecome，’Christine。youknewthatyourletterwouldnotleavemeindignantandthatIshouldhastentoPerros。
　　Howcanyouhavethoughtthat，ifyoudidnotthinkIlovedyou？
　　Ithoughtyouwouldrememberourgameshere，aschildren，inwhichmyfathersooftenjoined。Ireallydon’tknowwhatIthought……PerhapsIwaswrongtowritetoyou……ThisanniversaryandyoursuddenappearanceinmyroomattheOpera，theotherevening，remindedmeofthetimelongpastandmademewritetoyouasthelittlegirlthatIthenwas……
　　TherewassomethinginChristine’sattitudethatseemedtoRaoulnotnatural。Hedidnotfeelanyhostilityinher。farfromit：
　　thedistressedaffectionshininginhereyestoldhimthat。
　　Butwhywasthisaffectiondistressed？Thatwaswhathewishedtoknowandwhatwasirritatinghim。
　　Whenyousawmeinyourdressing-room，wasthatthefirsttimeyounoticedme，Christine？
　　Shewasincapableoflying。
　　No，shesaid，Ihadseenyouseveraltimesinyourbrother’sbox。
　　Andalsoonthestage。
　　Ithoughtso！saidRaoul，compressinghislips。Butthenwhy，whenyousawmeinyourroom，atyourfeet，remindingyouthatI
　　hadrescuedyourscarffromthesea，whydidyouanswerasthoughyoudidnotknowmeandalsowhydidyoulaugh？
　　ThetoneofthesequestionswassoroughthatChristinestaredatRaoulwithoutreplying。Theyoungmanhimselfwasaghastatthesuddenquarrelwhichhehaddaredtoraiseattheverymomentwhenhehadresolvedtospeakwordsofgentleness，loveandsubmissiontoChristine。Ahusband，aloverwithallrights，wouldtalknodifferentlytoawife，amistresswhohadoffendedhim。
　　Buthehadgonetoofarandsawnootherwayoutoftheridiculouspositionthantobehaveodiously。
　　Youdon’tanswer！hesaidangrilyandunhappily。Well，Iwillanswerforyou。Itwasbecausetherewassomeoneintheroomwhowasinyourway，Christine，someonethatyoudidnotwishtoknowthatyoucouldbeinterestedinanyoneelse！
　　Ifanyonewasinmyway，myfriend，Christinebrokeincoldly，ifanyonewasinmyway，thatevening，itwasyourself，sinceI
　　toldyoutoleavetheroom！
　　Yes，sothatyoumightremainwiththeother！
　　Whatareyousaying，monsieur？askedthegirlexcitedly。
　　Andtowhatotherdoyourefer？
　　Tothemantowhomyousaid，`Isingonlyforyou！……to-nightIgaveyoumysoulandIamdead！’
　　ChristineseizedRaoul’sarmandclutcheditwithastrengthwhichnoonewouldhavesuspectedinsofrailacreature。
　　Thenyouwerelisteningbehindthedoor？
　　Yes，becauseIloveyoueverything……AndIheardeverything……
　　Youheardwhat？
　　Andtheyounggirl，becomingstrangelycalm，releasedRaoul’sarm。
　　Hesaidtoyou，`Christine，youmustloveme！’
　　Atthesewords，adeathlypallorspreadoverChristine’sface，darkringsformedroundhereyes，shestaggeredandseemedonthepointofswooning。Raouldartedforward，witharmsoutstretched，butChristinehadovercomeherpassingfaintnessandsaid，inalowvoice：
　　Goon！Goon！Tellmeallyouheard！
　　Atanutterlosstounderstand，Raoulanswered：Iheardhimreply，whenyousaidyouhadgivenhimyoursoul，`Yoursoulisabeautifulthing，child，andIthankyou。
　　Noemperoreverreceivedsofairagift。Theangelswepttonight。’
　　Christinecarriedherhandtoherheart，apreytoindescribableemotion。Hereyesstaredbeforeherlikeamadwoman’s。Raoulwasterror-stricken。ButsuddenlyChristine’seyesmoistenedandtwogreattearstrickled，liketwopearls，downherivorycheeks。
　　Christine！
　　Raoul！
　　Theyoungmantriedtotakeherinhisarms，butsheescapedandfledingreatdisorder。
　　WhileChristineremainedlockedinherroom，Raoulwasathiswit’sendwhattodo。Herefusedtobreakfast。Hewasterriblyconcernedandbitterlygrievedtoseethehours，whichhehadhopedtofindsosweet，slippastwithoutthepresenceoftheyoungSwedishgirl。
　　Whydidshenotcometoroamwithhimthroughthecountrywheretheyhadsomanymemoriesincommon？Heheardthatshehadhadamasssaid，thatmorning，forthereposeofherfather’ssoulandspentalongtimeprayinginthelittlechurchandonthefiddler’stomb。
　　Then，assheseemedtohavenothingmoretodoatPerrosand，infact，wasdoingnothingthere，whydidshenotgobacktoParisatonce？
　　Raoulwalkedaway，dejectedly，tothegraveyardinwhichthechurchstoodandwasindeedaloneamongthetombs，readingtheinscriptions。
　　but，whenheturnedbehindtheapse，hewassuddenlystruckbythedazzlingnoteoftheflowersthatstraggledoverthewhiteground。
　　Theyweremarvelousredrosesthathadblossomedinthemorning，inthesnow，givingaglimpseoflifeamongthedead，fordeathwasallaroundhim。Italso，liketheflowers，issuedfromtheground，whichhadflungbackanumberofitscorpses。Skeletonsandskullsbythehundredwereheapedagainstthewallofthechurch，heldinpositionbyawirethatleftthewholegruesomestackvisible。
　　Deadmen’sbones，arrangedinrows，likebricks，toformthefirstcourseuponwhichthewallsofthesacristyhadbeenbuilt。
　　Thedoorofthesacristyopenedinthemiddleofthatbonystructure，asisoftenseeninoldBretonchurches。
　　RaoulsaidaprayerforDaaeandthen，painfullyimpressedbyallthoseeternalsmilesonthemouthsofskulls，heclimbedtheslopeandsatdownontheedgeoftheheathoverlookingthesea。
　　Thewindfellwiththeevening。Raoulwassurroundedbyicydarkness，buthedidnotfeelthecold。Itwashere，heremembered，thatheusedtocomewithlittleChristinetoseetheKorrigansdanceattherisingofthemoon。Hehadneverseenany，thoughhiseyesweregood，whereasChristine，whowasalittleshortsighted，pretendedthatshehadseenmany。Hesmiledatthethoughtandthensuddenlygaveastart。Avoicebehindhimsaid：
　　DoyouthinktheKorriganswillcomethisevening？
　　ItwasChristine。Hetriedtospeak。Sheputherglovedhandonhismouth。
　　Listen，Raoul。Ihavedecidedtotellyousomethingserious，veryserious……DoyourememberthelegendoftheAngelofMusic？
　　Idoindeed，hesaid。Ibelieveitwasherethatyourfatherfirsttoldittous。
　　Anditwasherethathesaid，`WhenIaminHeaven，mychild，Iwillsendhimtoyou。’Well，Raoul，myfatherisinHeaven，andIhavebeenvisitedbytheAngelofMusic。
　　Ihavenodoubtofit，repliedtheyoungmangravely，foritseemedtohimthathisfriend，inobediencetoapiousthought，wasconnectingthememoryofherfatherwiththebrilliancyofherlasttriumph。
　　ChristineappearedastonishedattheVicomtedeChagny’scoolness：
　　Howdoyouunderstandit？sheasked，bringingherpalefacesoclosetohisthathemighthavethoughtthatChristinewasgoingtogivehimakiss。butsheonlywantedtoreadhiseyesinspiteofthedark。
　　Iunderstand，hesaid，thatnohumanbeingcansingasyousangtheothereveningwithouttheinterventionofsomemiracle。
　　Noprofessoronearthcanteachyousuchaccentsasthose。
　　YouhaveheardtheAngelofMusic，Christine。
　　Yes，shesaidsolemnly，INMYDRESSING-ROOM。Thatiswherehecomestogivememylessonsdaily。
　　Inyourdressing-room？heechoedstupidly。
　　Yes，thatiswhereIhaveheardhim。andIhavenotbeentheonlyonetohearhim。
　　Whoelseheardhim，Christine？
　　You，myfriend。
　　I？IheardtheAngelofMusic？
　　Yes，theotherevening，itwashewhowastalkingwhenyouwerelisteningbehindthedoor。Itwashewhosaid，`Youmustloveme。’
　　ButIthenthoughtthatIwastheonlyonetohearhisvoice。
　　Imaginemyastonishmentwhenyoutoldme，thismorning，thatyoucouldhearhimtoo，
　　Raoulburstoutlaughing。Thefirstraysofthemooncameandshroudedthetwoyoungpeopleintheirlight。ChristineturnedonRaoulwithahostileair。Hereyes，usuallysogentle，flashedfire。
　　Whatareyoulaughingat？YOUthinkyouheardaman’svoice，Isuppose？
　　Well！……repliedtheyoungman，whoseideasbegantogrowconfusedinthefaceofChristine’sdeterminedattitude。
　　It’syou，Raoul，whosaythat？You，anoldplayfellowofmyown！
　　Afriendofmyfather’s！Butyouhavechangedsincethosedays。
　　Whatareyouthinkingof？Iamanhonestgirl，M。leVicomtedeChagny，andIdon’tlockmyselfupinmydressing-roomwithmen’svoices。
　　Ifyouhadopenedthedoor，youwouldhaveseenthattherewasnobodyintheroom！
　　That’strue！Ididopenthedoor，whenyouweregone，andIfoundnooneintheroom。
　　Soyousee！……Well？
　　Theviscountsummonedupallhiscourage。