Well，Christine，Ithinkthatsomebodyismakinggameofyou。
　　Shegaveacryandranaway。Heranafterher，but，inatoneoffierceanger，shecalledout：Leaveme！Leaveme！
　　Andshedisappeared。
　　Raoulreturnedtotheinnfeelingveryweary，verylow-spiritedandverysad。HewastoldthatChristinehadgonetoherbedroomsayingthatshewouldnotbedowntodinner。Raouldinedalone，inaverygloomymood。Thenhewenttohisroomandtriedtoread，wenttobedandtriedtosleep。Therewasnosoundinthenextroom。
　　Thehourspassedslowly。Itwasabouthalf-pastelevenwhenhedistinctlyheardsomeonemoving，withalight，stealthystep，intheroomnexttohis。ThenChristinehadnotgonetobed！
　　Withouttroublingforareason，Raouldressed，takingcarenottomakeasound，andwaited。Waitedforwhat？Howcouldhetell？
　　ButhisheartthumpedinhischestwhenheheardChristine’sdoorturnslowlyonitshinges。Wherecouldshebegoing，atthishour，wheneveryonewasfastasleepatPerros？Softlyopeningthedoor，hesawChristine’swhiteform，inthemoonlight，slippingalongthepassage。
　　Shewentdownthestairsandheleanedoverthebalusteraboveher。
　　Suddenlyheheardtwovoicesinrapidconversation。Hecaughtonesentence：Don’tlosethekey。
　　Itwasthelandlady’svoice。Thedoorfacingtheseawasopenedandlockedagain。Thenallwasstill。
　　Raoulranbacktohisroomandthrewbackthewindow。
　　Christine’swhiteformstoodonthedesertedquay。
　　ThefirstflooroftheSettingSunwasatnogreatheightandatreegrowingagainstthewallheldoutitsbranchestoRaoul’simpatientarmsandenabledhimtoclimbdownunknowntothelandlady。
　　Heramazement，therefore，wasallthegreaterwhen，thenextmorning，theyoungmanwasbroughtbacktoherhalffrozen，moredeadthanalive，andwhenshelearnedthathehadbeenfoundstretchedatfulllengthonthestepsofthehighaltarofthelittlechurch。
　　SheranatoncetotellChristine，whohurrieddownand，withthehelpofthelandlady，didherbesttorevivehim。
　　Hesoonopenedhiseyesandwasnotlonginrecoveringwhenhesawhisfriend’scharmingfaceleaningoverhim。
　　Afewweekslater，whenthetragedyattheOperacompelledtheinterventionofthepublicprosecutor，M。Mifroid，thecommissaryofpolice，examinedtheVicomtedeChagnytouchingtheeventsofthenightatPerros。Iquotethequestionsandanswersasgivenintheofficialreportpp。150etseq。：
　　Q。DidMlle。Daaenotseeyoucomedownfromyourroombythecuriousroadwhichyouselected？
　　R。No，monsieur，no，although，whenwalkingbehindher，Itooknopainstodeadenthesoundofmyfootsteps。Infact，Iwasanxiousthatsheshouldturnroundandseeme。IrealizedthatIhadnoexcuseforfollowingherandthatthiswayofspyingonherwasunworthyofme。ButsheseemednottohearmeandactedexactlyasthoughIwerenotthere。Shequietlyleftthequayandthensuddenlywalkedquicklyuptheroad。Thechurch-clockhadstruckaquartertotwelveandIthoughtthatthismusthavemadeherhurry，forshebeganalmosttorunandcontinuedhasteninguntilshecametothechurch。
　　Q。Wasthegateopen？
　　R。Yes，monsieur，andthissurprisedme，butdidnotseemtosurpriseMlle。Daae。
　　Q。Wastherenooneinthechurchyard？
　　R。Ididnotseeanyone。and，iftherehadbeen，Imusthaveseenhim。
　　Themoonwasshiningonthesnowandmadethenightquitelight。
　　Q。Wasitpossibleforanyonetohidebehindthetombstones？
　　R。No，monsieur。Theywerequitesmall，poortombstones，partlyhiddenunderthesnow，withtheircrossesjustabovetheleveloftheground。
　　Theonlyshadowswerethoseofthecrossesandourselves。
　　Thechurchstoodoutquitebrightly。Ineversawsoclearanight。
　　Itwasveryfineandverycoldandonecouldseeeverything。
　　Q。Areyouatallsuperstitious？
　　R。No，monsieur，IamapractisingCatholic，
　　Q。Inwhatconditionofmindwereyou？
　　R。Veryhealthyandpeaceful，Iassureyou。Mlle。Daae’scuriousactioningoingoutatthathourhadworriedmeatfirst。but，assoonasIsawhergotothechurchyard，Ithoughtthatshemeanttofulfilsomepiousdutyonherfather’sgraveandIconsideredthissonaturalthatIrecoveredallmycalmness。Iwasonlysurprisedthatshehadnotheardmewalkingbehindher，formyfootstepswerequiteaudibleonthehardsnow。ButshemusthavebeentakenupwithherintentionsandIresolvednottodisturbher。Shekneltdownbyherfather’sgrave，madethesignofthecrossandbegantopray。
　　Atthatmoment，itstruckmidnight。Atthelaststroke，IsawMlle。Daaelife{sic}hereyestotheskyandstretchoutherarmsasthoughinecstasy。Iwaswonderingwhatthereasoncouldbe，whenImyselfraisedmyheadandeverythingwithinmeseemeddrawntowardtheinvisible，WHICHWASPLAYINGTHEMOSTPERFECTMUSIC！
　　ChristineandIknewthatmusic。wehadhearditaschildren。
　　Butithadneverbeenexecutedwithsuchdivineart，evenbyM。Daae。
　　IrememberedallthatChristinehadtoldmeoftheAngelofMusic。
　　TheairwasTheResurrectionofLazarus，whicholdM。Daaeusedtoplaytousinhishoursofmelancholyandoffaith。
　　IfChristine’sAngelhadexisted，hecouldnothaveplayedbetter，thatnight，onthelatemusician’sviolin。Whenthemusicstopped，Iseemedtohearanoisefromtheskullsintheheapofbones。
　　itwasasthoughtheywerechucklingandIcouldnothelpshuddering。
　　Q。Diditnotoccurtoyouthatthemusicianmightbehidingbehindthatveryheapofbones？
　　R。Itwastheonethoughtthatdidoccurtome，monsieur，somuchsothatIomittedtofollowMlle。Daae，whenshestoodupandwalkedslowlytothegate。ShewassomuchabsorbedjustthenthatI
　　amnotsurprisedthatshedidnotseeme。
　　Q。Thenwhathappenedthatyouwerefoundinthemorninglyinghalf-deadonthestepsofthehighaltar？
　　R。Firstaskullrolledtomyfeet……thenanother……thenanother……ItwasasifIwerethemarkofthatghastlygameofbowls。AndIhadanideathatfalsestepmusthavedestroyedthebalanceofthestructurebehindwhichourmusicianwasconcealed。
　　ThissurmiseseemedtobeconfirmedwhenIsawashadowsuddenlyglidealongthesacristywall。Iranup。Theshadowhadalreadypushedopenthedoorandenteredthechurch。ButIwasquickerthantheshadowandcaughtholdofacornerofitscloak。Atthatmoment，wewerejustinfrontofthehighaltar。andthemoonbeamsfellstraightuponusthroughthestained-glasswindowsoftheapse。
　　AsIdidnotletgoofthecloak，theshadowturnedround。andI
　　sawaterribledeath’shead，whichdartedalookatmefromapairofscorchingeyes。IfeltasifIwerefacetofacewithSatan。
　　and，inthepresenceofthisunearthlyapparition，myheartgaveway，mycouragefailedme……andIremembernothingmoreuntilI
　　recoveredconsciousnessattheSettingSun。
　　ChapterVAVisittoBoxFiveWeleftM。FirminRichardandM。ArmandMoncharminatthemomentwhentheyweredecidingtolookintothatlittlematterofBoxFive。
　　Leavingbehindthemthebroadstaircasewhichleadsfromthelobbyoutsidethemanagers’officestothestageanditsdependencies，theycrossedthestage，wentoutbythesubscribers’doorandenteredthehousethroughthefirstlittlepassageontheleft。
　　ThentheymadetheirwaythroughthefrontrowsofstallsandlookedatBoxFiveonthegrandtier，Theycouldnotseeitwell，becauseitwashalfindarknessandbecausegreatcoverswereflungovertheredvelvetoftheledgesofalltheboxes。
　　Theywerealmostaloneinthehuge，gloomyhouse。andagreatsilencesurroundedthem。Itwasthetimewhenmostofthestage-handsgooutforadrink。Thestaffhadlefttheboardsforthemoment，leavingascenehalfset。Afewraysoflight，awan，sinisterlight，thatseemedtohavebeenstolenfromanexpiringluminary，fellthroughsomeopeningorotheruponanoldtowerthatraiseditspasteboardbattlementsonthestage。everything，inthisdeceptivelight，adoptedafantasticshape。Intheorchestrastalls，thedruggetcoveringthemlookedlikeanangrysea，whoseglaucouswaveshadbeensuddenlyrenderedstationarybyasecretorderfromthestormphantom，who，aseverybodyknows，iscalledAdamastor。
　　MM。MoncharminandRichardweretheshipwreckedmarinersamidthismotionlessturmoilofacalicosea。Theymadefortheleftboxes，plowingtheirwaylikesailorswholeavetheirshipandtrytostruggletotheshore。Theeightgreatpolishedcolumnsstoodupinthedusklikesomanyhugepilessupportingthethreatening，crumbling，big-belliedcliffswhoselayerswererepresentedbythecircular，parallel，wavinglinesofthebalconiesofthegrand，firstandsecondtiersofboxes。Atthetop，rightontopofthecliff，lostinM。Lenepveu’scopperceiling，figuresgrinnedandgrimaced，laughedandjeeredatMM。RichardandMoncharmin’sdistress。Andyetthesefigureswereusuallyveryserious。
　　TheirnameswereIsis，Amphitrite，Hebe，Pandora，Psyche，Thetis，Pomona，Daphne，Clytie，GalateaandArethusa。Yes，ArethusaherselfandPandora，whomweallknowbyherbox，lookeddownuponthetwonewmanagersoftheOpera，whoendedbyclutchingatsomepieceofwreckageandfromtherestaredsilentlyatBoxFiveonthegrandtier。
　　Ihavesaidthattheyweredistressed。Atleast，Ipresumeso。
　　M。Moncharmin，inanycase，admitsthathewasimpressed。Toquotehisownwords，inhisMemoirs：
　　ThismoonshineabouttheOperaghostinwhich，sincewefirsttookoverthedutiesofMM。PolignyandDebienne，wehadbeensonicelysteeped——Moncharmin’sstyleisnotalwaysirreproachable——
　　hadnodoubtendedbyblindingmyimaginativeandalsomyvisualfaculties。Itmaybethattheexceptionalsurroundingsinwhichwefoundourselves，inthemidstofanincrediblesilence，impressedustoanunusualextent。Itmaybethatwewerethesportofakindofhallucinationbroughtaboutbythesemi-darknessofthetheaterandthepartialgloomthatfilledBoxFive。Atanyrate，IsawandRichardalsosawashapeinthebox。Richardsaidnothing，norIeither。Butwespontaneouslyseizedeachother’shand。
　　Westoodlikethatforsomeminutes，withoutmoving，withoureyesfixedonthesamepoint。butthefigurehaddisappeared。
　　Thenwewentoutand，inthelobby，communicatedourimpressionstoeachotherandtalkedabout`theshape。’ThemisfortunewasthatmyshapewasnotintheleastlikeRichard’s。Ihadseenathinglikeadeath’sheadrestingontheledgeofthebox，whereasRichardsawtheshapeofanoldwomanwholookedlikeMme。Giry。Wesoondiscoveredthatwehadreallybeenthevictimsofanillusion，whereupon，withoutfurtherdelayandlaughinglikemadmen，werantoBoxFiveonthegrandtier，wentinsideandfoundnoshapeofanykind。
　　BoxFiveisjustlikealltheothergrandtierboxes。Thereisnothingtodistinguishitfromanyoftheothers。M。MoncharminandM。Richard，ostensiblyhighlyamusedandlaughingateachother，movedthefurnitureofthebox，liftedtheclothsandthechairsandparticularlyexaminedthearm-chairinwhichtheman’svoice
　　usedtosit。Buttheysawthatitwasarespectablearm-chair，withnomagicaboutit。Altogether，theboxwasthemostordinaryboxintheworld，withitsredhangings，itschairs，itscarpetanditsledgecoveredinredvelvet。After，feelingthecarpetinthemostseriousmannerpossible，anddiscoveringnothingmorehereoranywhereelse，theywentdowntothecorrespondingboxonthepittierbelow。
　　InBoxFiveonthepittier，whichisjustinsidethefirstexitfromthestallsontheleft，theyfoundnothingworthmentioningeither。
　　Thosepeopleareallmakingfoolsofus！FirminRichardendedbyexclaiming。ItwillbeFAUSTonSaturday：letusbothseetheperformancefromBoxFiveonthegrandtier！
　　ChapterVIIFaustandWhatFollowedOntheSaturdaymorning，onreachingtheiroffice，thejointmanagersfoundaletterfromO。G。wordedintheseterms：
　　MYDEARMANAGERS：
　　Soitistobewarbetweenus？
　　Ifyoustillcareforpeace，hereismyultimatum。Itconsistsofthefourfollowingconditions：
　　1。Youmustgivemebackmyprivatebox。andIwishittobeatmyfreedisposalfromhenceforward。
　　2。ThepartofMargaritashallbesungthiseveningbyChristineDaae。
　　NevermindaboutCarlotta。shewillbeill。
　　3。IabsolutelyinsistuponthegoodandloyalservicesofMme。Giry，mybox-keeper，whomyouwillreinstateinherfunctionsforthwith。
　　4。LetmeknowbyaletterhandedtoMme。Giry，whowillseethatitreachesme，thatyouaccept，asyourpredecessorsdid，theconditionsinmymemorandum-bookrelatingtomymonthlyallowance。
　　Iwillinformyoulaterhowyouaretopayittome。
　　Ifyourefuse，youwillgiveFAUSTto-nightinahousewithacurseuponit。
　　Takemyadviceandbewarnedintime。O。G。
　　Lookhere，I’mgettingsickofhim，sickofhim！shoutedRichard，bringinghisfistsdownonhisofficetable。
　　Justthen，Mercier，theacting-manager，entered。
　　Lachcnelwouldliketoseeoneofyougentlemen，hesaid。
　　Hesaysthathisbusinessisurgentandheseemsquiteupset。
　　Who’sLachcnel？askedRichard。
　　He’syourstud-groom。
　　Whatdoyoumean？Mystud-groom？
　　Yes，sir，explainedMercier，thereareseveralgroomsattheOperaandM。Lachcnelisattheheadofthem。
　　Andwhatdoesthisgroomdo？
　　Hehasthechiefmanagementofthestable。
　　Whatstable？
　　Why，yours，sir，thestableoftheOpera。
　　IsthereastableattheOpera？Uponmyword，Ididn’tknow。
　　Whereisit？
　　Inthecellars，ontheRotundaside。It’saveryimportantdepartment。
　　wehavetwelvehorses。
　　Twelvehorses！Andwhatfor，inHeaven’sname？
　　Why，wewanttrainedhorsesfortheprocessionsintheJuive，TheProfetaandsoon。horses`usedtotheboards。’Itisthegrooms’
　　businesstoteachthem。M。Lachcnelisverycleveratit。HeusedtomanageFranconi’sstables。
　　Verywell……butwhatdoeshewant。
　　Idon’tknow。Ineversawhiminsuchastate。
　　Hecancomein。
　　M。Lachenelcamein，carryingariding-whip，withwhichhestruckhisrightbootinanirritablemanner。
　　Goodmorning，M。Lachenel，saidRichard，somewhatimpressed。
　　Towhatdoweowethehonorofyourvisit？
　　Mr。Manager，Ihavecometoaskyoutogetridofthewholestable。
　　What，youwanttogetridofourhorses？
　　I’mnottalkingofthehorses，butofthestablemen。
　　Howmanystablemenhaveyou，M。Lachenel？
　　Sixstablemen！That’satleasttwotoomany。
　　Theseare`places，’Mercierinterposed，createdandforceduponusbytheunder-secretaryforfinearts。Theyarefilledbyprotegeesofthegovernmentand，ifImayventureto……
　　Idon’tcareahangforthegovernment！roaredRichard。
　　Wedon’tneedmorethanfourstablemenfortwelvehorses。
　　Eleven，saidtheheadriding-master，correctinghim。
　　Twelve，repeatedRichard。
　　Eleven，repeatedLachenel。
　　Oh，theacting-managertoldmethatyouhadtwelvehorses！
　　Ididhavetwelve，butIhaveonlyelevensinceCesarwasstolen。
　　AndM。Lachenelgavehimselfagreatsmackonthebootwithhiswhip。
　　HasCesarbeenstolen？criedtheacting-manager。Cesar，thewhitehorseintheProfeta？
　　TherearenottwoCesars，saidthestud-groomdryly。IwastenyearsatFranconi’sandIhaveseenplentyofhorsesinmytime。
　　Well，therearenottwoCesars。Andhe’sbeenstolen。
　　How？
　　Idon’tknow。Nobodyknows。That’swhyIhavecometoaskyoutosackthewholestable。
　　Whatdoyourstablemensay？
　　Allsortsofnonsense。Someofthemaccusethesupers。
　　Otherspretendthatit’stheacting-manager’sdoorkeeper……
　　Mydoorkeeper？I’llanswerforhimasIwouldformyself！
　　protestedMercier。
　　But，afterall，M。Lachenel，criedRichard，youmusthavesomeidea。
　　Yes，Ihave，M。Lacheneldeclared。IhaveanideaandI’lltellyouwhatitis。There’snodoubtaboutitinmymind。
　　Hewalkeduptothetwomanagersandwhispered。It’stheghostwhodidthetrick！
　　Richardgaveajump。
　　What，youtoo！Youtoo！
　　Howdoyoumean，Itoo？Isn’titnatural，afterwhatIsaw？
　　Whatdidyousee？
　　Isaw，asclearlyasInowseeyou，ablackshadowridingawhitehorsethatwasaslikeCesarastwopeas！
　　Anddidyourunafterthem？
　　IdidandIshouted，buttheyweretoofastformeanddisappearedinthedarknessoftheundergroundgallery。
　　M。Richardrose。Thatwilldo，M。Lachenel。Youcango……
　　WewilllodgeacomplaintagainstTHEGHOST。
　　Andsackmystable？
　　Oh，ofcourse！Goodmorning。
　　M。Lachenelbowedandwithdrew。Richardfoamedatthemouth。
　　Settlethatidiot’saccountatonce，please。
　　Heisafriendofthegovernmentrepresentative’s！Mercierventuredtosay。
　　AndhetakeshisvermouthatTortoni’swithLagrene，SchollandPertuiset，thelion-hunter，addedMoncharmin。Weshallhavethewholepressagainstus！He’lltellthestoryoftheghost。andeverybodywillbelaughingatourexpense！Wemayaswellbedeadasridiculous！
　　Allright，saynomoreaboutit。
　　Atthatmomentthedooropened。ItmusthavebeendesertedbyitsusualCerberus，forMme。Giryenteredwithoutceremony，holdingaletterinherhand，andsaidhurriedly：
　　Ibegyourpardon，excuseme，gentlemen，butIhadaletterthismorningfromtheOperaghost。Hetoldmetocometoyou，thatyouhadsomethingto……
　　Shedidnotcompletethesentence。ShesawFirminRichard’sface。
　　anditwasaterriblesight。Heseemedreadytoburst。Hesaidnothing，hecouldnotspeak。Butsuddenlyheacted。First，hisleftarmseizeduponthequaintpersonofMme。Giryandmadeherdescribesounexpectedasemicirclethatsheutteredadespairingcry。
　　Next，hisrightfootimprinteditssoleontheblacktaffetaofaskirtwhichcertainlyhadneverbeforeundergoneasimilaroutrageinasimilarplace。ThethinghappenedsoquicklythatMme。Giry，wheninthepassage，wasstillquitebewilderedandseemednottounderstand。But，suddenly，sheunderstood。andtheOperarangwithherindignantyells，herviolentprotestsandthreats。
　　Aboutthesametime，Carlotta，whohadasmallhouseofherownintheRueduFaubourgSt。Honore，rangforhermaid，whobroughtherletterstoherbed。Amongthemwasananonymousmissive，writteninredink，inahesitating，clumsyhand，whichran：
　　Ifyouappearto-night，youmustbepreparedforagreatmisfortuneatthemomentwhenyouopenyourmouthtosing……amisfortuneworsethandeath。
　　ThelettertookawayCarlotta’sappetiteforbreakfast。
　　Shepushedbackherchocolate，satupinbedandthoughthard。
　　Itwasnotthefirstletterofthekindwhichshehadreceived，butsheneverhadonecouchedinsuchthreateningterms。
　　Shethoughtherself，atthattime，thevictimofathousandjealousattemptsandwentaboutsayingthatshehadasecretenemywhohadsworntoruinher。Shepretendedthatawickedplotwasbeinghatchedagainsther，acabalwhichwouldcometoaheadoneofthosedays。
　　butsheaddedthatshewasnotthewomantobeintimidated。
　　Thetruthisthat，iftherewasacabal，itwasledbyCarlottaherselfagainstpoorChristine，whohadnosuspicionofit。
　　CarlottahadneverforgivenChristineforthetriumphwhichshehadachievedwhentakingherplaceatamoment’snotice。WhenCarlottaheardoftheastoundingreceptionbestoweduponherunderstudy，shewasatoncecuredofanincipientattackofbronchitisandabadfitofsulkingagainstthemanagementandlosttheslightestinclinationtoshirkherduties。Fromthattime，sheworkedwithallhermighttosmotherherrival，enlistingtheservicesofinfluentialfriendstopersuadethemanagersnottogiveChristineanopportunityforafreshtriumph。CertainnewspaperswhichhadbeguntoextolthetalentofChristinenowinterestedthemselvesonlyinthefameofCarlotta。Lastly，inthetheateritself，thecelebrated，butheartlessandsoullessdivamadethemostscandalousremarksaboutChristineandtriedtocauseherendlessminorunpleasantnesses。
　　WhenCarlottahadfinishedthinkingoverthethreatcontainedinthestrangeletter，shegotup。
　　Weshallsee，shesaid，addingafewoathsinhernativeSpanishwithaverydeterminedair。
　　Thefirstthingshesaw，whenlookingoutofherwindow，wasahearse。
　　Shewasverysuperstitious。andthehearseandtheletterconvincedherthatshewasrunningthemostseriousdangersthatevening。
　　Shecollectedallhersupporters，toldthemthatshewasthreatenedatthatevening’sperformancewithaplotorganizedbyChristineDaaeanddeclaredthattheymustplayatrickuponthatchitbyfillingthehousewithher，Carlotta’s，admirers。Shehadnolackofthem，hadshe？Sherelieduponthemtoholdthemselvespreparedforanyeventualityandtosilencetheadversaries，if，asshefeared，theycreatedadisturbance。
　　M。Richard’sprivatesecretarycalledtoaskafterthediva’shealthandreturnedwiththeassurancethatshewasperfectlywellandthat，wereshedying，shewouldsingthepartofMargaritathatevening。
　　Thesecretaryurgedher，inhischief’sname，tocommitnoimprudence，tostayathomealldayandtobecarefulofdrafts。andCarlottacouldnothelp，afterhehadgone，comparingthisunusualandunexpectedadvicewiththethreatscontainedintheletter。
　　Itwasfiveo’clockwhenthepostbroughtasecondanonymousletterinthesamehandasthefirst。Itwasshortandsaidsimply：
　　Youhaveabadcold。Ifyouarewise，youwillseethatitismadnesstotrytosingto-night。
　　Carlottasneered，shruggedherhandsomeshouldersandsangtwoorthreenotestoreassureherself。
　　Herfriendswerefaithfultotheirpromise。TheywereallattheOperathatnight，butlookedroundinvainforthefierceconspiratorswhomtheywereinstructedtosuppress。TheonlyunusualthingwasthepresenceofM。RichardandM。MoncharmininBoxFive。
　　Carlotta’sfriendsthoughtthat，perhaps，themanagershadwind，ontheirside，oftheproposeddisturbanceandthattheyhaddeterminedtobeinthehouse，soastostopitthenandthere。
　　butthiswasunjustifiablesupposition，asthereaderknows。
　　M。RichardandM。Moncharminwerethinkingofnothingbuttheirghost。
　　Vain！InvaindoIcall，throughmyvigilweary，OncreationanditsLord！Neverreplywillbreakthesilencedreary！Nosign！
　　Nosingleword！
　　Thefamousbaritone，CarolusFonta，hadhardlyfinishedDoctorFaust’sfirstappealtothepowersofdarkness，whenM。FirminRichard，whowassittingintheghost’sownchair，thefrontchairontheright，leanedovertohispartnerandaskedhimchaffingly：
　　Well，hastheghostwhisperedawordinyourearyet？
　　Wait，don’tbeinsuchahurry，repliedM。ArmandMoncharmin，inthesamegaytone。Theperformancehasonlybegunandyouknowthattheghostdoesnotusuallycomeuntilthemiddleofthefirstact。
　　Thefirstactpassedwithoutincident，whichdidnotsurpriseCarlotta’sfriends，becauseMargaritadoesnotsinginthisact。
　　Asforthemanagers，theylookedateachother，whenthecurtainfell。
　　That’sone！saidMoncharmin。
　　Yes，theghostislate，saidFirminRichard。
　　It’snotabadhouse，saidMoncharmin，for`ahousewithacurseonit。’
　　M。Richardsmiledandpointedtoafat，rathervulgarwoman，dressedinblack，sittinginastallinthemiddleoftheauditoriumwithamaninabroadclothfrock-coatoneithersideofher。
　　Whoonearthare`those？’askedMoncharmin。
　　`Those，’mydearfellow，aremyconcierge，herhusbandandherbrother。
　　Didyougivethemtheirtickets？’
　　Idid……MyconciergehadneverbeentotheOpera——thisis，thefirsttime——and，assheisnowgoingtocomeeverynight，Iwantedhertohaveagoodseat，beforespendinghertimeshowingotherpeopletotheirs。
　　MoncharminaskedwhathemeantandRichardansweredthathehadpersuadedhisconcierge，inwhomhehadthegreatestconfidence，tocomeandtakeMme。Giry’splace。Yes，hewouldliketoseeif，withthatwomaninsteadoftheoldlunatic，BoxFivewouldcontinuetoastonishthenatives？
　　Bytheway，saidMoncharmin，youknowthatMotherGiryisgoingtolodgeacomplaintagainstyou。
　　Withwhom？Theghost？
　　Theghost！Moncharminhadalmostforgottenhim。However，thatmysteriouspersondidnothingtobringhimselftothememoryofthemanagers。
　　andtheywerejustsayingsotoeachotherforthesecondtime，whenthedooroftheboxsuddenlyopenedtoadmitthestartledstage-manager。
　　What’sthematter？theybothasked，amazedatseeinghimthereatsuchatime。
　　Itseemsthere’saplotgotupbyChristineDaae’sfriendsagainstCarlotta。Carlotta’sfurious。
　　Whatonearth……？saidRichard，knittinghisbrows。
　　ButthecurtainroseonthekermesssceneandRichardmadeasigntothestage-managertogoaway。Whenthetwowerealoneagain，MoncharminleanedovertoRichard：
　　ThenDaaehasfriends？heasked。
　　Yes，shehas。
　　Whom？
　　Richardglancedacrossataboxonthegrandtiercontainingnoonebuttwomen。
　　TheComtedeChagny？
　　Yes，hespoketomeinherfavorwithsuchwarmththat，ifI
　　hadnotknownhimtobeSorelli’sfriend……
　　Really？Really？saidMoncharmin。Andwhoisthatpaleyoungmanbesidehim？
　　That’shisbrother，theviscount。
　　Heoughttobeinhisbed。Helooksill。
　　Thestagerangwithgaysong：
　　Redorwhiteliquor，Coarseorfine！
　　Whatcanitmatter，Sowehavewine？
　　Students，citizens，soldiers，girlsandmatronswhirledlight-heartedlybeforetheinnwiththefigureofBacchusforasign。Siebelmadeherentrance。ChristineDaaelookedcharminginherboy’sclothes。
　　andCarlotta’spartisansexpectedtohearhergreetedwithanovationwhichwouldhaveenlightenedthemastotheintentionsofherfriends。
　　Butnothinghappened。
　　Ontheotherhand，whenMargaritacrossedthestageandsangtheonlytwolinesallottedherinthissecondact：
　　No，mylord，notaladyamI，noryetabeauty，Anddonotneedanarmtohelpmeonmyway，
　　Carlottawasreceivedwithenthusiasticapplause。Itwassounexpectedandsouncalledforthatthosewhoknewnothingabouttherumorslookedatoneanotherandaskedwhatwashappening。
　　Andthisactalsowasfinishedwithoutincident。
　　Theneverybodysaid：Ofcourse，itwillbeduringthenextact。
　　Some，whoseemedtobebetterinformedthantherest，declaredthattherowwouldbeginwiththeballadoftheKINGOFTHULEandrushedtothesubscribers’entrancetowarnCarlotta。Themanagerslefttheboxduringtheentr’actetofindoutmoreaboutthecabalofwhichthestage-managerhadspoken。buttheysoonreturnedtotheirseats，shruggingtheirshouldersandtreatingthewholeaffairassilly。
　　Thefirstthingtheysaw，onenteringthebox，wasaboxofEnglishsweetsonthelittleshelfoftheledge。Whohadputitthere？
　　Theyaskedthebox-keepers，butnoneofthemknew。Thentheywentbacktotheshelfand，nexttotheboxofsweets，foundanoperaglass。
　　Theylookedateachother。Theyhadnoinclinationtolaugh。
　　AllthatMme。Giryhadtoldthemreturnedtotheirmemory……andthen……andthen……theyseemedtofeelacurioussortofdraftaroundthem……Theysatdowninsilence。
　　ThescenerepresentedMargarita’sgarden：
　　Gentleflow’rsinthedew，Bemessagefromme……
　　Asshesangthesefirsttwolines，withherbunchofrosesandlilacsinherhand，Christine，raisingherhead，sawtheVicomtedeChagnyinhisbox。and，fromthatmoment，hervoiceseemedlesssure，lesscrystal-clearthanusual。Somethingseemedtodeadenanddullhersinging……
　　Whataqueergirlsheis！saidoneofCarlotta’sfriendsinthestalls，almostaloud。Theotherdayshewasdivine。
　　andto-nightshe’ssimplybleating。Shehasnoexperience，notraining。
　　Gentleflow’rs，lieyethereAndtellherfromme……
　　Theviscountputhisheadunderhishandsandwept。Thecount，behindhim，viciouslygnawedhismustache，shruggedhisshouldersandfrowned。
　　Forhim，usuallysocoldandcorrect，tobetrayhisinnerfeelingslikethat，byoutwardsigns，thecountmustbeveryangry。Hewas。
　　Hehadseenhisbrotherreturnfromarapidandmysteriousjourneyinanalarmingstateofhealth。TheexplanationthatfollowedwasunsatisfactoryandthecountaskedChristineDaaeforanappointment。
　　Shehadtheaudacitytoreplythatshecouldnotseeeitherhimorhisbrother……
　　WouldshebutdeigntohearmeAndwithonesmiletocheerme……
　　Thelittlebaggage！growledthecount。
　　Andhewonderedwhatshewanted。Whatshewashopingfor……Shewasavirtuousgirl，shewassaidtohavenofriend，noprotectorofanysort……ThatangelfromtheNorthmustbeveryartful！
　　Raoul，behindthecurtainofhishandsthatveiledhisboyishtears，thoughtonlyoftheletterwhichhereceivedonhisreturntoParis，whereChristine，fleeingfromPerroslikeathiefinthenight，hadarrivedbeforehim：
　　MYDEARLITTLEPLAYFELLOW：
　　Youmusthavethecouragenottoseemeagain，nottospeakofmeagain。Ifyoulovemejustalittle，dothisforme，formewhowillneverforgetyou，mydearRaoul。Mylifedependsuponit。
　　Yourlifedependsuponit。YOURLITTLECHRISTINE。
　　Thundersofapplause。Carlottamadeherentrance。
　　IwishIcouldbutknowwhowasheThataddressedme，Ifhewasnoble，or，atleast，whathisnameis……
　　WhenMargaritahadfinishedsingingtheballadoftheKINGOFTHULE，shewasloudlycheeredandagainwhenshecametotheendofthejewelsong：
　　Ah，thejoyofpastcompareThesejewelsbrighttowear！……
　　Thenceforth，certainofherself，certainofherfriendsinthehouse，certainofhervoiceandhersuccess，fearingnothing，Carlottaflungherselfintoherpartwithoutrestraintofmodesty……ShewasnolongerMargarita，shewasCarmen。Shewasapplaudedallthemore。
　　andherdebutwithFaustseemedabouttobringheranewsuccess，whensuddenly……aterriblethinghappened。
　　Fausthadkneltononeknee：
　　Letmegazeontheformbelowme，WhilefromyonderetherblueLookhowthestarofeve，brightandtender，lingerso’erme，Tolovethybeautytoo！
　　AndMargaritareplied：
　　Oh，howstrange！
　　Likeaspelldoestheeveningbindme！
　　AndadeeplanguidcharmIfeelwithoutalarmWithitsmelodyenwindmeAndallmyheartsubdue。
　　Atthatmoment，atthatidenticalmoment，theterriblethinghappened……Carlottacroakedlikeatoad：
　　Co-ack！
　　TherewasconsternationonCarlotta’sfaceandconsternationonthefacesofalltheaudience。Thetwomanagersintheirboxcouldnotsuppressanexclamationofhorror。Everyonefeltthatthethingwasnotnatural，thattherewaswitchcraftbehindit。Thattoadsmeltofbrimstone。Poor，wretched，despairing，crushedCarlotta！
　　Theuproarinthehousewasindescribable。IfthethinghadhappenedtoanyonebutCarlotta，shewouldhavebeenhooted。
　　Buteverybodyknewhowperfectaninstrumenthervoicewas。
　　andtherewasnodisplayofanger，butonlyofhorroranddismay，thesortofdismaywhichmenwouldhavefeltiftheyhadwitnessedthecatastrophethatbrokethearmsoftheVenusdeMilo……Andeventhentheywouldhaveseen……andunderstood……
　　Butherethattoadwasincomprehensible！Somuchsothat，aftersomesecondsspentinaskingherselfifshehadreallyheardthatnote，thatsound，thatinfernalnoiseissuefromherthroat，shetriedtopersuadeherselfthatitwasnotso，thatshewasthevictimofanillusion，anillusionoftheear，andnotofanactoftreacheryonthepartofhervoice……
　　Meanwhile，inBoxFive，MoncharminandRichardhadturnedverypale。
　　Thisextraordinaryandinexplicableincidentfilledthemwithadreadwhichwasthemoremysteriousinasmuchasforsomelittlewhile，theyhad，fallenwithinthedirectinfluenceoftheghost。Theyhadfelthisbreath。Moncharmin’shairstoodonend。Richardwipedtheperspirationfromhisforehead。Yes，theghostwasthere，aroundthem，behindthem，besidethem。theyfelthispresencewithoutseeinghim，theyheardhisbreath，close，close，closetothem！……Theyweresurethattherewerethreepeopleinthebox……Theytrembled……Theythoughtofrunningaway……Theydarednot……
　　Theydarednotmakeamovementorexchangeawordthatwouldhavetoldtheghostthattheyknewthathewasthere！……Whatwasgoingtohappen？
　　Thishappened。
　　Co-ack！Theirjointexclamationofhorrorwasheardalloverthehouse。
　　THEYFELTTHATTHEYWERESMARTINGUNDERTHEGHOST’SATTACKS。
　　Leaningovertheledgeoftheirbox，theystaredatCarlottaasthoughtheydidnotrecognizeher。Thatinfernalgirlmusthavegiventhesignalforsomecatastrophe。Ah，theywerewaitingforthecatastrophe！Theghosthadtoldthemitwouldcome！
　　Thehousehadacurseuponit！Thetwomanagersgaspedandpantedundertheweightofthecatastrophe。Richard’sstifledvoicewasheardcallingtoCarlotta：
　　Well，goon！
　　No，Carlottadidnotgoon……Bravely，heroically，shestartedafreshonthefatallineattheendofwhichthetoadhadappeared。
　　Anawfulsilencesucceededtheuproar。Carlotta’svoicealoneoncemorefilledtheresoundinghouse：
　　Ifeelwithoutalarm……
　　Theaudiencealsofelt，butnotwithoutalarm……
　　Ifeelwithoutalarm……
　　Ifeelwithoutalarm——co-ack！
　　Withitsmelodyenwindme——co-ack！
　　Andallmyheartsub——co-ack！
　　Thetoadalsohadstartedafresh！
　　Thehousebrokeintoawildtumult。Thetwomanagerscollapsedintheirchairsanddarednoteventurnround。theyhadnotthestrength。theghostwaschucklingbehindtheirbacks！
　　And，atlast，theydistinctlyheardhisvoiceintheirrightears，theimpossiblevoice，themouthlessvoice，saying：
　　SHEISSINGINGTO-NIGHTTOBRINGTHECHANDELIERDOWN！
　　Withoneaccord，theyraisedtheireyestotheceilingandutteredaterriblecry。Thechandelier，theimmensemassofthechandelierwasslippingdown，comingtowardthem，atthecallofthatfiendishvoice。
　　Releasedfromitshook，itplungedfromtheceilingandcamesmashingintothemiddleofthestalls，amidathousandshoutsofterror。
　　Awildrushforthedoorsfollowed。
　　Thepapersofthedaystatethattherewerenumberswoundedandonekilled。ThechandelierhadcrasheddownupontheheadofthewretchedwomanwhohadcometotheOperaforthefirsttimeinherlife，theonewhomM。RichardhadappointedtosucceedMme。Giry，theghost’sbox-keeper，inherIfunctions！Shediedonthespotand，thenextmorning，anewspaperappearedwiththisheading：
　　TWOHUNDREDKILOSONTHEHEADOFACONCIERGE
　　Thatwashersoleepitaph！
　　ChapterVIIITheMysteriousBroughamThattragiceveningwasbadforeverybody。Carlottafellill。
　　AsforChristineDaae，shedisappearedaftertheperformance。
　　AfortnightelapsedduringwhichshewasseenneitherattheOperanoroutside。
　　Raoul，ofcourse，wasthefirsttobeastonishedattheprimadonna’sabsence。HewrotetoheratMme。Valerius’flatandreceivednoreply。Hisgriefincreasedandheendedbybeingseriouslyalarmedatneverseeinghernameontheprogram。FAUSTwasplayedwithouther。
　　Oneafternoonhewenttothemanagers’officetoaskthereasonofChristine’sdisappearance。Hefoundthembothlookingextremelyworried。Theirownfriendsdidnotrecognizethem：
　　theyhadlostalltheirgaietyandspirits。Theywereseencrossingthestagewithhangingheads，care-wornbrows，palecheeks，asthoughpursuedbysomeabominablethoughtorapreytosomepersistentsportoffate。
　　Thefallofthechandelierhadinvolvedtheminnolittleresponsibility。
　　butitwasdifficulttomakethemspeakaboutit。Theinquesthadendedinaverdictofaccidentaldeath，causedbythewearandtearofthechainsbywhichthechandelierwashungfromtheceiling。
　　butitwasthedutyofboththeoldandthenewmanagerstohavediscoveredthiswearandtearandtohaveremedieditintime。
　　AndIfeelboundtosaythatMM。RichardandMoncharminatthistimeappearedsochanged，soabsent-minded，somysterious，soincomprehensiblethatmanyofthesubscribersthoughtthatsomeeventevenmorehorriblethanthefallofthechandeliermusthaveaffectedtheirstateofmind。
　　Intheirdailyintercourse，theyshowedthemselvesveryimpatient，exceptwithMme。Giry，whohadbeenreinstatedinherfunctions。
　　AndtheirreceptionoftheVicomtedeChagny，whenhecametoaskaboutChristine，wasanythingbutcordial。Theymerelytoldhimthatshewastakingaholiday。Heaskedhowlongtheholidaywasfor，andtheyrepliedcurtlythatitwasforanunlimitedperiod，asMlle。Daaehadrequestedleaveofabsenceforreasonsofhealth。
　　Thensheisill！hecried。Whatisthematterwithher？
　　Wedon’tknow。
　　Didn’tyousendthedoctoroftheOperatoseeher？
　　No，shedidnotaskforhim。and，aswetrusther，wetookherword。
　　Raoulleftthebuildingapreytothegloomiestthoughts。Heresolved，comewhatmight，togoandinquireofMammaValerius。HerememberedthestrongphrasesinChristine’sletter，forbiddinghimtomakeanyattempttoseeher。ButwhathehadseenatPerros，whathehadheardbehindthedressing-roomdoor，hisconversationwithChristineattheedgeofthemoormadehimsuspectsomemachinationwhich，devilishthoughitmightbe，wasnonethelesshuman。Thegirl’shighlystrungimagination，heraffectionateandcredulousmind，theprimitiveeducationwhichhadsurroundedherchildhoodwithacircleoflegends，theconstantbroodingoverherdeadfatherand，aboveall，thestateofsublimeecstasyintowhichmusicthrewherfromthemomentthatthisartwasmademanifesttoherincertainexceptionalconditions，asinthechurchyardatPerros。allthisseemedtohimtoconstituteamoralgroundonlytoofavorableforthemalevolentdesignsofsomemysteriousandunscrupulousperson。
　　OfwhomwasChristineDaaethevictim？ThiswastheveryreasonablequestionwhichRaoulputtohimselfashehurriedofftoMammaValerius。
　　HetrembledasherangatalittleflatintheRueNotre-Dame-des-Victoires。
　　ThedoorwasopenedbythemaidwhomhehadseencomingoutofChristine’sdressing-roomoneevening。HeaskedifhecouldspeaktoMme。Valerius。
　　Hewastoldthatshewasillinbedandwasnotreceivingvisitors。
　　Takeinmycard，please，hesaid。
　　Themaidsoonreturnedandshowedhimintoasmallandscantilyfurnisheddrawing-room，inwhichportraitsofProfessorValeriusandoldDaaehungonoppositewalls。
　　MadamebegsMonsieurleVicomtetoexcuseher，saidtheservant。
　　Shecanonlyseehiminherbedroom，becauseshecannolongerstandonherpoorlegs。
　　Fiveminuteslater，Raoulwasusheredintoanill-litroomwhereheatoncerecognizedthegood，kindfaceofChristine’sbenefactressinthesemi-darknessofanalcove。MammaValerius’hairwasnowquitewhite，buthereyeshadgrownnoolder。never，onthecontrary，hadtheirexpressionbeensobright，sopure，sochild-like。
　　M。deChagny！shecriedgaily，puttingoutbothherhandstohervisitor。
　　Ah，it’sHeaventhatsendsyouhere！……WecantalkofHER。
　　Thislastsentencesoundedverygloomilyintheyoungman’sears。
　　Heatonceasked：
　　Madame……whereisChristine？
　　Andtheoldladyrepliedcalmly：
　　Sheiswithhergoodgenius！
　　Whatgoodgenius？exclaimedpoorRaoul。
　　Why，theAngelofMusic！
　　Theviscountdroppedintoachair。Really？ChristinewaswiththeAngelofMusic？AndtherelayMammaValeriusinbed，smilingtohimandputtingherfingertoherlips，towarnhimtobesilent！
　　Andsheadded：
　　Youmustnottellanybody！
　　Youcanrelyonme，saidRaoul。
　　Hehardlyknewwhathewassaying，forhisideasaboutChristine，alreadygreatlyconfused，werebecomingmoreandmoreentangled。
　　anditseemedasifeverythingwasbeginningtoturnaroundhim，aroundtheroom，aroundthatextraordinarygoodladywiththewhitehairandforget-me-noteyes。
　　Iknow！IknowIcan！shesaid，withahappylaugh。Butwhydon’tyoucomenearme，asyouusedtodowhenyouwerealittleboy？
　　Givemeyourhands，aswhenyoubroughtmethestoryoflittleLotte，whichDaddyDaaehadtoldyou。Iamveryfondofyou，M。Raoul，youknow。AndsoisChristinetoo！
　　Sheisfondofme！sighedtheyoungman。HefoundadifficultyincollectinghisthoughtsandbringingthemtobearonMammaValerius’
　　goodgenius，ontheAngelofMusicofwhomChristinehadspokentohimsostrangely，onthedeath’sheadwhichhehadseeninasortofnightmareonthehighaltaratPerrosandalsoontheOperaghost，whosefamehadcometohisearsoneeveningwhenhewasstandingbehindthescenes，withinhearingofagroupofscene-shifterswhowererepeatingtheghastlydescriptionwhichthehangedman，JosephBuquet，hadgivenoftheghostbeforehismysteriousdeath。
　　Heaskedinalowvoice：WhatmakesyouthinkthatChristineisfondofme，madame？
　　Sheusedtospeakofyoueveryday。
　　Really？……Andwhatdidshetellyou？
　　Shetoldmethatyouhadmadeheraproposal！
　　Andthegoodoldladybeganlaughingwholeheartedly。Raoulsprangfromhischair，flushingtothetemples，sufferingagonies。
　　What’sthis？Whereareyougoing？Sitdownagainatonce，willyou？……DoyouthinkIwillletyougolikethat？……Ifyou’reangrywithmeforlaughing，Ibegyourpardon……Afterall，whathashappenedisn’tyourfault……Didn’tyouknow？……DidyouthinkthatChristinewasfree？……
　　IsChristineengagedtobemarried？thewretchedRaoulasked，inachokingvoice。
　　Whyno！Whyno！……YouknowaswellasIdothatChristinecouldn’tmarry，evenifshewantedto！
　　ButIdon’tknowanythingaboutit！……Andwhycan’tChristinemarry？
　　BecauseoftheAngelofMusic，ofcourse！……
　　Idon’tfollow……
　　Yes，heforbidsherto！……
　　Heforbidsher！……TheAngelofMusicforbidshertomarry！
　　Oh，heforbidsher……withoutforbiddingher。It’slikethis：
　　hetellsherthat，ifshegotmarried，shewouldneverhearhimagain。That’sall！……Andthathewouldgoawayforever！……So，youunderstand，shecan’tlettheAngelofMusicgo。
　　It’squitenatural。
　　Yes，yes，echoedRaoulsubmissively，it’squitenatural。
　　Besides，IthoughtChristinehadtoldyouallthat，whenshemetyouatPerros，whereshewentwithhergoodgenius。
　　Oh，shewenttoPerroswithhergoodgenius，didshe？
　　Thatistosay，hearrangedtomeetherdownthere，inPerroschurchyard，atDaae’sgrave。HepromisedtoplayherTheResurrectionofLazarusonherfather’sviolin！
　　RaouldeChagnyroseand，withaveryauthoritativeair，pronouncedtheseperemptorywords：
　　Madame，youwillhavethegoodnesstotellmewherethatgeniuslives。
　　Theoldladydidnotseemsurprisedatthisindiscreetcommand。
　　Sheraisedhereyesandsaid：
　　InHeaven！
　　Suchsimplicitybaffledhim。HedidnotknowwhattosayinthepresenceofthiscandidandperfectfaithinageniuswhocamedownnightlyfromHeaventohauntthedressing-roomsattheOpera。
　　Henowrealizedthepossiblestateofmindofagirlbroughtupbetweenasuperstitiousfiddlerandavisionaryoldladyandheshudderedwhenhethoughtoftheconsequencesofitall。
　　IsChristinestillagoodgirl？heaskedsuddenly，inspiteofhimself。
　　Iswearit，asIhopetobesaved！exclaimedtheoldwoman，who，thistime，seemedtobeincensed。
　　And，ifyoudoubtit，sir，Idon’tknowwhatyouareherefor！
　　Raoultoreathisgloves。
　　Howlonghassheknownthis`genius？’
　　Aboutthreemonths……Yes，it’squitethreemonthssincehebegantogiveherlessons。
　　Theviscountthrewuphisarmswithagestureofdespair。
　　Thegeniusgivesherlessons！……Andwhere，pray？
　　Nowthatshehasgoneawaywithhim，Ican’tsay。but，uptoafortnightago，itwasinChristine’sdressing-room。Itwouldbeimpossibleinthislittleflat。Thewholehousewouldhearthem。Whereas，attheOpera，ateighto’clockinthemorning，thereisnooneabout，doyousee！
　　Yes，Isee！Isee！criedtheviscount。
　　AndhehurriedlytookleaveofMme。Valerius，whoaskedherselfiftheyoungnoblemanwasnotalittleoffhishead。
　　Hewalkedhometohisbrother’shouseinapitifulstate。
　　Hecouldhavestruckhimself，bangedhisheadagainstthewalls！
　　Tothinkthathehadbelievedinherinnocence，inherpurity！
　　TheAngelofMusic！Heknewhimnow！Hesawhim！Itwasbeyondadoubtsomeunspeakabletenor，agood-lookingjackanapes，whomouthedandsimperedashesang！Hethoughthimselfasabsurdandaswretchedascouldbe。Oh，whatamiserable，little，insignificant，sillyyoungmanwasM。leVicomtedeChagny！thoughtRaoul，furiously。Andshe，whataboldanddamnableslycreature！
　　HisbrotherwaswaitingforhimandRaoulfellintohisarms，likeachild。Thecountconsoledhim，withoutaskingforexplanations。
　　andRaoulwouldcertainlyhavelonghesitatedbeforetellinghimthestoryoftheAngelofMusic。Hisbrothersuggestedtakinghimouttodinner。Overcomeashewaswithdespair，Raoulwouldprobablyhaverefusedanyinvitationthatevening，ifthecounthadnot，asaninducement，toldhimthattheladyofhisthoughtshadbeenseen，thenightbefore，incompanyoftheothersexintheBois。
　　Atfirst，theviscountrefusedtobelieve。buthereceivedsuchexactdetailsthatheceasedprotesting。Shehadbeenseen，itappeared，drivinginabrougham，withthewindowdown。Sheseemedtobeslowlytakingintheicynightair。Therewasagloriousmoonshining。
　　Shewasrecognizedbeyondadoubt。Asforhercompanion，onlyhisshadowyoutlinewasdistinguishedleaningbackinthedark。
　　ThecarriagewasgoingatawalkingpaceinalonelydrivebehindthegrandstandatLongchamp。
　　Raouldressedinfrantichaste，preparedtoforgethisdistressbyflinginghimself，aspeoplesay，intothevortexofpleasure。
　　Alas，hewasaverysorryguestand，leavinghisbrotherearly，foundhimself，byteno’clockintheevening，inacab，behindtheLongchamprace-course。
　　Itwasbitterlycold。Theroadseemeddesertedandverybrightunderthemoonlight。Hetoldthedrivertowaitforhimpatientlyatthecornerofanearturningand，hidinghimselfaswellashecould，stoodstampinghisfeettokeepwarm。Hehadbeenindulginginthishealthyexerciseforhalfanhourorso，whenacarriageturnedthecorneroftheroadandcamequietlyinhisdirection，atawalkingpace。
　　Asitapproached，hesawthatawomanwasleaningherheadfromthewindow。And，suddenly，themoonshedapalegleamoverherfeatures。
　　Christine！
　　Thesacrednameofhislovehadsprungfromhisheartandhislips。
　　Hecouldnotkeepitback……Hewouldhavegivenanythingtowithdrawit，forthatname，proclaimedinthestillnessofthenight，hadactedasthoughitwerethepreconcertedsignalforafuriousrushonthepartofthewholeturn-out，whichdashedpasthimbeforehecouldputintoexecutionhisplanofleapingatthehorses’heads。Thecarriagewindowhadbeenclosedandthegirl’sfacehaddisappeared。Andthebrougham，behindwhichhewasnowrunning，wasnomorethanablackspotonthewhiteroad。
　　Hecalledoutagain：Christine！
　　Noreply。Andhestoppedinthemidstofthesilence。
　　Withalack-lustereye，hestareddownthatcold，desolateroadandintothepale，deadnight。Nothingwascolderthanhisheart，nothinghalfsodead：hehadlovedanangelandnowhedespisedawoman！