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。