Raoul，howthatlittlefairyoftheNorthhastrifledwithyou！
　　Wasitreally，wasitreallynecessarytohavesofreshandyoungaface，aforeheadsoshyandalwaysreadytocoveritselfwiththepinkblushofmodestyinordertopassinthelonelynight，inacarriageandpair，accompaniedbyamysteriouslover？
　　Surelythereshouldbesomelimittohypocrisyandlying！……
　　Shehadpassedwithoutansweringhiscry……Andhewasthinkingofdying。andhewastwentyyearsold！……
　　Hisvaletfoundhiminthemorningsittingonhisbed。Hehadnotundressedandtheservantfeared，atthesightofhisface，thatsomedisasterhadoccurred。Raoulsnatchedhislettersfromtheman’shands。
　　HehadrecognizedChristine’spaperandhand-writing。Shesaid：
　　DEAR：
　　GotothemaskedballattheOperaonthenightafterto-morrow。
　　Attwelveo’clock，beinthelittleroombehindthechimney-placeofthebigcrush-room。StandnearthedoorthatleadstotheRotunda。
　　Don’tmentionthisappointmenttoanyoneonearth。Wearawhitedominoandbecarefullymasked。Asyouloveme，donotletyourselfberecognized。CHRISTINE。
　　ChapterIXAttheMaskedBallTheenvelopewascoveredwithmudandunstamped。ItborethewordsTobehandedtoM。leVicomteRaouldeChagny，withtheaddressinpencil。Itmusthavebeenflungoutinthehopethatapasser-bywouldpickupthenoteanddeliverit，whichwaswhathappened。
　　ThenotehadbeenpickeduponthepavementofthePlacedel’Opera。
　　Raoulreaditoveragainwithfeveredeyes。Nomorewasneededtorevivehishope。ThesomberpicturewhichhehadforamomentimaginedofaChristineforgettingherdutytoherselfmadewayforhisoriginalconceptionofanunfortunate，innocentchild，thevictimofimprudenceandexaggeratedsensibility。Towhatextent，atthistime，wasshereallyavictim？Whoseprisonerwasshe？
　　Intowhatwhirlpoolhadshebeendragged？Heaskedhimselfthesequestionswithacruelanguish。buteventhispainseemedendurablebesidethefrenzyintowhichhewasthrownatthethoughtofalyinganddeceitfulChristine。Whathadhappened？Whatinfluencehadsheundergone？Whatmonsterhadcarriedheroffandbywhatmeans？……
　　Bywhatmeansindeedbutthatofmusic？HeknewChristine’sstory。
　　Afterherfather’sdeath，sheacquiredadistasteofeverythinginlife，includingherart。ShewentthroughtheCONSERVATOIRElikeapoorsoullesssinging-machine。And，suddenly，sheawokeasthoughthroughtheinterventionofagod。TheAngelofMusicappeareduponthescene！
　　ShesangMargaritainFAUSTandtriumphed！……
　　TheAngelofMusic！……ForthreemonthstheAngelofMusichadbeengivingChristinelessons……Ah，hewasapunctualsinging-master！……
　　AndnowhewastakingherfordrivesintheBois！……
　　Raoul’sfingersclutchedathisflesh，abovehisjealousheart。
　　Inhisinexperience，henowaskedhimselfwithterrorwhatgamethegirlwasplaying？Uptowhatpointcouldanopera-singermakeafoolofagood-naturedyoungman，quitenewtolove？Omisery！……
　　ThusdidRaoul’sthoughtsflyfromoneextremetotheother。
　　HenolongerknewwhethertopityChristineortocurseher。
　　andhepitiedandcursedherturnandturnabout。Atallevents，heboughtawhitedomino。
　　Thehouroftheappointmentcameatlast。Withhisfaceinamasktrimmedwithlong，thicklace，lookinglikeapierrotinhiswhitewrap，theviscountthoughthimselfveryridiculous。MenoftheworlddonotgototheOperaballinfancy-dress！Itwasabsurd。
　　Onethought，however，consoledtheviscount：hewouldcertainlyneverberecognized！
　　Thisballwasanexceptionalaffair，givensometimebeforeShrovetide，inhonoroftheanniversaryofthebirthofafamousdraftsman。
　　anditwasexpectedtobemuchgayer，noisier，moreBohemianthantheordinarymaskedball。Numbersofartistshadarrangedtogo，accompaniedbyawholecohortofmodelsandpupils，who，bymidnight，begantocreateatremendousdin。Raoulclimbedthegrandstaircaseatfiveminutestotwelve，didnotlingertolookatthemotleydressesdisplayedallthewayupthemarblesteps，oneoftherichestsettingsintheworld，allowednofacetiousmasktodrawhimintoawarofwits，repliedtonojestsandshookofftheboldfamiliarityofanumberofcoupleswhohadalreadybecomeatrifletoogay。
　　Crossingthebigcrush-roomandescapingfromamadwhirlofdancersinwhichhewascaughtforamoment，heatlastenteredtheroommentionedinChristine’sletter。Hefounditcrammed。forthissmallspacewasthepointwhereallthosewhoweregoingtosupperintheRotundacrossedthosewhowerereturningfromtakingaglassofchampagne。Thefun，here，waxedfastandfurious。
　　Raoulleanedagainstadoor-postandwaited。Hedidnotwaitlong。
　　Ablackdominopassedandgaveaquicksqueezetothetipsofhisfingers。Heunderstoodthatitwassheandfollowedher：
　　Isthatyou，Christine？heasked，betweenhisteeth。
　　Theblackdominoturnedroundpromptlyandraisedherfingertoherlips，nodoubttowarnhimnottomentionhernameagain。
　　Raoulcontinuedtofollowherinsilence。
　　Hewasafraidoflosingher，aftermeetingheragaininsuchstrangecircumstances。Hisgrudgeagainstherwasgone。Henolongerdoubtedthatshehadnothingtoreproachherselfwith，
　　howeverpeculiarandinexplicableherconductmightseem。Hewasreadytomakeanydisplayofclemency，forgivenessorcowardice。
　　Hewasinlove。And，nodoubt，hewouldsoonreceiveaverynaturalexplanationofhercuriousabsence。
　　Theblackdominoturnedbackfromtimetotimetoseeifthewhitedominowasstillfollowing。
　　AsRaouloncemorepassedthroughthegreatcrush-room，thistimeinthewakeofhisguide，hecouldnothelpnoticingagroupcrowdingroundapersonwhosedisguise，eccentricairandgruesomeappearancewerecausingasensation。Itwasamandressedallinscarlet，withahugehatandfeathersonthetopofawonderfuldeath’shead。
　　Fromhisshouldershunganimmensered-velvetcloak，whichtrailedalongthefloorlikeaking’strain。andonthiscloakwasembroidered，ingoldletters，whicheveryonereadandrepeatedaloud，Don’ttouchme！IamRedDeathstalkingabroad！
　　Thenone，greatlydaring，didtrytotouchhim……butaskeletonhandshotoutofacrimsonsleeveandviolentlyseizedtherashone’swrist。andhe，feelingtheclutchoftheknucklebones，thefuriousgraspofDeath，utteredacryofpainandterror。
　　WhenRedDeathreleasedhimatlast，heranawaylikeaverymadman，pursuedbythejeersofthebystanders。
　　ItwasatthismomentthatRaoulpassedinfrontofthefunerealmasquerader，whohadjusthappenedtoturninhisdirection。
　　Andhenearlyexclaimed：
　　Thedeath’sheadofPerros-Guirec！
　　Hehadrecognizedhim！……Hewantedtodartforward，forgettingChristine。
　　buttheblackdomino，whoalsoseemedapreytosomestrangeexcitement，caughthimbythearmanddraggedhimfromthecrush-room，farfromthemadcrowdthroughwhichRedDeathwasstalking……
　　Theblackdominokeptonturningbackand，apparently，ontwooccasionssawsomethingthatstartledher，forshehurriedherpaceandRaoul’sasthoughtheywerebeingpursued。
　　Theywentuptwofloors。Here，thestairsandcorridorswerealmostdeserted。Theblackdominoopenedthedoorofaprivateboxandbeckonedtothewhitedominotofollowher。
　　ThenChristine，whomherecognizedbythesoundofhervoice，closedthedoorbehindthemandwarnedhim，inawhisper，toremainatthebackoftheboxandonnoaccounttoshowhimself。
　　Raoultookoffhismask。Christinekeptherson。And，whenRaoulwasabouttoaskhertoremoveit，hewassurprisedtoseeherputhereartothepartitionandlisteneagerlyforasoundoutside。
　　Thensheopenedthedoorajar，lookedoutintothecorridorand，inalowvoice，said：
　　Hemusthavegoneuphigher。Suddenlysheexclaimed：Heiscomingdownagain！
　　Shetriedtoclosethedoor，butRaoulpreventedher。forhehadseen，onthetopstepofthestaircasethatledtothefloorabove，AREDFOOT，followedbyanother……andslowly，majestically，thewholescarletdressofRedDeathmethiseyes。Andheoncemoresawthedeath’sheadofPerros-Guirec。
　　It’she！heexclaimed。Thistime，heshallnotescapeme！……
　　ButChristian{sic}hadslammedthedooratthemomentwhenRaoulwasonthepointofrushingout。Hetriedtopushheraside。
　　Whomdoyoumeanby`he’？sheasked，inachangedvoice。
　　Whoshallnotescapeyou？
　　Raoultriedtoovercomethegirl’sresistancebyforce，butsherepelledhimwithastrengthwhichhewouldnothavesuspectedinher。
　　Heunderstood，orthoughtheunderstood，andatoncelosthistemper。
　　Who？herepeatedangrily。Why，he，themanwhohidesbehindthathideousmaskofdeath！……TheevilgeniusofthechurchyardatPerros！……RedDeath！……Inaword，madam，yourfriend……
　　yourAngelofMusic！……ButIshallsnatchoffhismask，asIshallsnatchoffmyown。and，thistime，weshalllookeachotherintheface，heandI，withnoveilandnoliesbetweenus。
　　andIshallknowwhomyouloveandwholovesyou！
　　Heburstintoamadlaugh，whileChristinegaveadisconsolatemoanbehindhervelvetmask。Withatragicgesture，sheflungouthertwoarms，whichfixedabarrierofwhitefleshagainstthedoor。
　　Inthenameofourlove，Raoul，youshallnotpass！……
　　Hestopped。Whathadshesaid？……Inthenameoftheirlove？……
　　Neverbeforehadsheconfessedthatshelovedhim。Andyetshehadhadopportunitiesenough……Pooh，heronlyobjectwastogainafewseconds！……ShewishedtogivetheRedDeathtimetoescape……
　　And，inaccentsofchildishhatred，hesaid：
　　Youlie，madam，foryoudonotlovemeandyouhaveneverlovedme！
　　WhatapoorfellowImustbetoletyoumockandfloutmeasyouhavedone！Whydidyougivemeeveryreasonforhope，atPerros……
　　forhonesthope，madam，forIamanhonestmanandIbelievedyoutobeanhonestwoman，whenyouronlyintentionwastodeceiveme！
　　Alas，youhavedeceivedusall！Youhavetakenashamefuladvantageofthecandidaffectionofyourbenefactressherself，whocontinuestobelieveinyoursinceritywhileyougoabouttheOperaballwithRedDeath！……Idespiseyou！……
　　Andheburstintotears。Sheallowedhimtoinsulther。
　　Shethoughtofbutonething，tokeephimfromleavingthebox。
　　Youwillbegmypardon，oneday，forallthoseuglywords，Raoul，andwhenyoudoIshallforgiveyou！
　　Heshookhishead。No，no，youhavedrivenmemad！WhenIthinkthatIhadonlyoneobjectinlife：togivemynametoanoperawench！
　　Raoul！……Howcanyou？
　　Ishalldieofshame！
　　No，dear，live！saidChristine’sgraveandchangedvoice。
　　And……good-by。Good-by，Raoul……
　　Theboysteppedforward，staggeringashewent。Heriskedonemoresarcasm：
　　Oh，youmustletmecomeandapplaudyoufromtimetotime！
　　Ishallneversingagain，Raoul！……
　　Really？hereplied，stillmoresatirically。Soheistakingyouoffthestage：Icongratulateyou！……ButweshallmeetintheBois，oneoftheseevenings！
　　NotintheBoisnoranywhere，Raoul：youshallnotseemeagain……
　　Mayoneaskatleasttowhatdarknessyouarereturning？……Forwhathellareyouleaving，mysteriouslady……orforwhatparadise？
　　Icametotellyou，dear，butIcan’ttellyounow……youwouldnotbelieveme！Youhavelostfaithinme，Raoul。itisfinished！
　　Shespokeinsuchadespairingvoicethattheladbegantofeelremorseforhiscruelty。
　　Butlookhere！hecried。Can’tyoutellmewhatallthismeans！……Youarefree，thereisnoonetointerferewithyou……
　　YougoaboutParis……Youputonadominotocometotheball……Whydoyounotgohome？……Whathaveyoubeendoingthispastfortnight？……WhatisthistaleabouttheAngelofMusic，whichyouhavebeentellingMammaValerius？Someonemayhavetakenyouin，playeduponyourinnocence。Iwasawitnessofitmyself，atPerros……butyouknowwhattobelievenow！Youseemtomequitesensible，Christine。Youknowwhatyouaredoing……AndmeanwhileMammaValeriuslieswaitingforyouathomeandappealingtoyour`goodgenius！’……Explainyourself，Christine，Ibegofyou！
　　AnyonemighthavebeendeceivedasIwas。Whatisthisfarce？
　　Christinesimplytookoffhermaskandsaid：Dear，itisatragedy！
　　Raoulnowsawherfaceandcouldnotrestrainanexclamationofsurpriseandterror。Thefreshcomplexionofformerdayswasgone。
　　Amortalpallorcoveredthosefeatures，whichhehadknownsocharmingandsogentle，andsorrowhadfurrowedthemwithpitilesslinesandtraceddarkandunspeakablysadshadowsunderhereyes。
　　Mydearest！Mydearest！hemoaned，holdingouthisarms。
　　Youpromisedtoforgiveme……
　　Perhaps！……Someday，perhaps！shesaid，resuminghermask。
　　andshewentaway，forbiddinghim，withagesture，tofollowher。
　　Hetriedtodisobeyher。butsheturnedroundandrepeatedhergestureoffarewellwithsuchauthoritythathedarednotmoveastep。
　　Hewatchedhertillshewasoutofsight。Thenhealsowentdownamongthecrowd，hardlyknowingwhathewasdoing，withthrobbingtemplesandanachingheart。and，ashecrossedthedancing-floor，heaskedifanybodyhadseenRedDeath。Yes，everyonehadseenRedDeath。
　　butRaoulcouldnotfindhim。and，attwoo’clockinthemorning，heturneddownthepassage，behindthescenes，thatledtoChristineDaae’sdressing-room。
　　Hisfootstepstookhimtothatroomwherehehadfirstknownsuffering。
　　Hetappedatthedoor。Therewasnoanswer。Heentered，ashehadenteredwhenhelookedeverywherefortheman’svoice。
　　Theroomwasempty。Agas-jetwasburning，turneddownlow。
　　Hesawsomewriting-paperonalittledesk。HethoughtofwritingtoChristine，butheheardstepsinthepassage。Hehadonlytimetohideintheinnerroom，whichwasseparatedfromthedressing-roombyacurtain。
　　Christineentered，tookoffhermaskwithawearymovementandflungitonthetable。Shesighedandletherprettyheadfallintohertwohands。Whatwasshethinkingof？OfRaoul？No，forRaoulheardhermurmur：PoorErik！
　　Atfirst，hethoughthemustbemistaken。Tobeginwith，hewaspersuadedthat，ifanyonewastobepitied，itwashe，Raoul。
　　Itwouldhavebeenquitenaturalifshehadsaid，PoorRaoul，
　　afterwhathadhappenedbetweenthem。But，shakingherhead，sherepeated：PoorErik！
　　WhathadthisEriktodowithChristine’ssighsandwhywasshepityingErikwhenRaoulwassounhappy？
　　Christinebegantowrite，deliberately，calmlyandsoplacidlythatRaoul，whowasstilltremblingfromtheeffectsofthetragedythatseparatedthem，waspainfullyimpressed。
　　Whatcoolness！hesaidtohimself。
　　Shewroteon，fillingtwo，three，foursheets。Suddenly，sheraisedherheadandhidthesheetsinherbodice……Sheseemedtobelistening……Raoulalsolistened……Whencecamethatstrangesound，thatdistantrhythm？……Afaintsingingseemedtoissuefromthewalls……yes，itwasasthoughthewallsthemselvesweresinging！……Thesongbecameplainer……thewordswerenowdistinguishable……heheardavoice，averybeautiful，verysoft，verycaptivatingvoice……but，forallitssoftness，itremainedamalevoice……Thevoicecamenearerandnearer……itcamethroughthewall……itapproached……andnowthevoicewasINTHEROOM，infrontofChristine。
　　Christineroseandaddressedthevoice，asthoughspeakingtosomeone：
　　HereIam，Erik，shesaid。Iamready。Butyouarelate。
　　Raoul，peepingfrombehindthecurtain，couldnotbelievehiseyes，whichshowedhimnothing。Christine’sfacelitup。Asmileofhappinessappeareduponherbloodlesslips，asmilelikethatofsickpeoplewhentheyreceivethefirsthopeofrecovery。
　　Thevoicewithoutabodywentonsinging。andcertainlyRaoulhadneverinhislifeheardanythingmoreabsolutelyandheroicallysweet，moregloriouslyinsidious，moredelicate，morepowerful，inshort，moreirresistiblytriumphant。HelistenedtoitinafeverandhenowbegantounderstandhowChristineDaaewasabletoappearoneevening，beforethestupefiedaudience，withaccentsofabeautyhithertounknown，ofasuperhumanexaltation，whiledoubtlessstillundertheinfluenceofthemysteriousandinvisiblemaster。
　　ThevoicewassingingtheWedding-nightSongfromRomeoandJuliet。
　　RaoulsawChristinestretchoutherarmstothevoiceasshehaddone，inPerroschurchyard，totheinvisibleviolinplayingTheResurrectionofLazarus。Andnothingcoulddescribethepassionwithwhichthevoicesang：
　　Fatelinkstheetomeforeverandaday！
　　ThestrainswentthroughRaoul’sheart。Strugglingagainstthecharmthatseemedtodeprivehimofallhiswillandallhisenergyandofalmostallhislucidityatthemomentwhenheneededthemmost，hesucceededindrawingbackthecurtainthathidhimandhewalkedtowhereChristinestood。Sheherselfwasmovingtothebackoftheroom，thewholewallofwhichwasoccupiedbyagreatmirrorthatreflectedherimage，butnothis，forhewasjustbehindherandentirelycoveredbyher。
　　Fatelinkstheetomeforeverandaday！
　　Christinewalkedtowardherimageintheglassandtheimagecametowardher。ThetwoChristines——therealoneandthereflection——
　　endedbytouching。andRaoulputouthisarmstoclaspthetwoinoneembrace。But，byasortofdazzlingmiraclethatsenthimstaggering，Raoulwassuddenlyflungback，whileanicyblastsweptoverhisface。hesaw，nottwo，butfour，eight，twentyChristinesspinningroundhim，laughingathimandfleeingsoswiftlythathecouldnottouchoneofthem。Atlast，everythingstoodstillagain。
　　andhesawhimselfintheglass。ButChristinehaddisappeared。
　　Herusheduptotheglass。Hestruckatthewalls。Nobody！
　　Andmeanwhiletheroomstillechoedwithadistantpassionatesinging：
　　Fatelinkstheetomeforeverandaday！
　　Whichway，whichwayhadChristinegone？……Whichwaywouldshereturn？……
　　Wouldshereturn？Alas，hadshenotdeclaredtohimthateverythingwasfinished？Andwasthevoicenotrepeating：
　　Fatelinkstheetomeforeverandaday！
　　Tome？Towhom？
　　Then，wornout，beaten，empty-brained，hesatdownonthechairwhichChristinehadjustleft。Likeher，helethisheadfallintohishands。Whenheraisedit，thetearswerestreamingdownhisyoungcheeks，real，heavytearslikethosewhichjealouschildrenshed，tearsthatweptforasorrowwhichwasinnowayfanciful，butwhichiscommontoalltheloversonearthandwhichheexpressedaloud：
　　WhoisthisErik？hesaid。
　　ChapterXForgettheNameoftheMan’sVoiceThedayafterChristinehadvanishedbeforehiseyesinasortofdazzlementthatstillmadehimdoubttheevidenceofhissenses，M。leVicomtedeChagnycalledtoinquireatMammaValerius’。
　　Hecameuponacharmingpicture。Christineherselfwasseatedbythebedsideoftheoldlady，whowassittingupagainstthepillows，knitting。Thepinkandwhitehadreturnedtotheyounggirl’scheeks。Thedarkringsroundhereyeshaddisappeared。
　　Raoulnolongerrecognizedthetragicfaceofthedaybefore。
　　Iftheveilofmelancholyoverthoseadorablefeatureshadnotstillappearedtotheyoungmanasthelasttraceoftheweirddramainwhosetoilsthatmysteriouschildwasstruggling，hecouldhavebelievedthatChristinewasnotitsheroineatall。
　　Sherose，withoutshowinganyemotion，andofferedhimherhand。
　　ButRaoul’sstupefactionwassogreatthathestoodtheredumfounded，withoutagesture，withoutaword。
　　Well，M。deChagny，exclaimedMammaValerius，don’tyouknowourChristine？Hergoodgeniushassentherbacktous！
　　Mamma！thegirlbrokeinpromptly，whileadeepblushmantledtohereyes。Ithought，mamma，thattherewastobenomorequestionofthat！……YouknowthereisnosuchthingastheAngelofMusic！
　　But，child，hegaveyoulessonsforthreemonths！
　　Mamma，Ihavepromisedtoexplaineverythingtoyouoneofthesedays。
　　andIhopetodosobutyouhavepromisedme，untilthatday，tobesilentandtoaskmenomorequestionswhatever！
　　Providedthatyoupromisednevertoleavemeagain！Buthaveyoupromisedthat，Christine？
　　Mamma，allthiscannotinterestM。deChagny。
　　Onthecontrary，mademoiselle，saidtheyoungman，inavoicewhichhetriedtomakefirmandbrave，butwhichstilltrembled，anythingthatconcernsyouinterestsmetoanextentwhichperhapsyouwillonedayunderstand。Idonotdenythatmysurpriseequalsmypleasureatfindingyouwithyouradoptedmotherandthat，afterwhathappenedbetweenusyesterday，afterwhatyousaidandwhatIwasabletoguess，Ihardlyexpectedtoseeyouheresosoon。
　　Ishouldbethefirsttodelightatyourreturn，ifyouwerenotsobentonpreservingasecrecythatmaybefataltoyou……andI
　　havebeenyourfriendtoolongnottobealarmed，withMme。Valerius，atadisastrousadventurewhichwillremaindangeroussolongaswehavenotunraveleditsthreadsandofwhichyouwillcertainlyendbybeingthevictim，Christine。
　　Atthesewords，MammaValeriustossedaboutinherbed。
　　Whatdoesthismean？shecried。IsChristineindanger？
　　Yes，madame，saidRaoulcourageously，notwithstandingthesignswhichChristinemadetohim。
　　MyGod！exclaimedthegood，simpleoldwoman，gaspingforbreath。
　　Youmusttellmeeverything，Christine！Whydidyoutrytoreassureme？
　　Andwhatdangerisit，M。deChagny？
　　Animpostorisabusinghergoodfaith。
　　IstheAngelofMusicanimpostor？
　　ShetoldyouherselfthatthereisnoAngelofMusic。
　　Butthenwhatisit，inHeaven’sname？Youwillbethedeathofme！
　　Thereisaterriblemysteryaroundus，madame，aroundyou，aroundChristine，amysterymuchmoretobefearedthananynumberofghostsorgenii！
　　MammaValeriusturnedaterrifiedfacetoChristine，whohadalreadyruntoheradoptedmotherandwasholdingherinherarms。
　　Don’tbelievehim，mummy，don’tbelievehim，sherepeated。
　　Thentellmethatyouwillneverleavemeagain，imploredthewidow。
　　ChristinewassilentandRaoulresumed。
　　Thatiswhatyoumustpromise，Christine。Itistheonlythingthatcanreassureyourmotherandme。Wewillundertakenottoaskyouasinglequestionaboutthepast，ifyoupromiseustoremainunderourprotectioninfuture。
　　ThatisanundertakingwhichIhavenotaskedofyouandapromisewhichIrefusetomakeyou！saidtheyounggirlhaughtily。
　　Iammistressofmyownactions，M。deChagny：youhavenorighttocontrolthem，andIwillbegyoutodesisthenceforth。
　　AstowhatIhavedoneduringthelastfortnight，thereisonlyonemanintheworldwhohastherighttodemandanaccountofme：myhusband！
　　Well，IhavenohusbandandInevermeantomarry！
　　ShethrewoutherhandstoemphasizeherwordsandRaoulturnedpale，notonlybecauseofthewordswhichhehadheard，butbecausehehadcaughtsightofaplaingoldringonChristine’sfinger。
　　Youhavenohusbandandyetyouwearawedding-ring。
　　Hetriedtoseizeherhand，butsheswiftlydrewitback。
　　That’sapresent！shesaid，blushingoncemoreandvainlystrivingtohideherembarrassment。
　　Christine！Asyouhavenohusband，thatringcanonlyhavebeengivenbyonewhohopestomakeyouhiswife！Whydeceiveusfurther？
　　Whytorturemestillmore？Thatringisapromise。andthatpromisehasbeenaccepted！
　　That’swhatIsaid！exclaimedtheoldlady。
　　Andwhatdidsheanswer，madame？
　　WhatIchose，saidChristine，driventoexasperation。
　　Don’tyouthink，monsieur，thatthiscross-examinationhaslastedlongenough？AsfarasIamconcerned……
　　Raoulwasafraidtoletherfinishherspeech。Heinterruptedher：
　　IbegyourpardonforspeakingasIdid，mademoiselle。Youknowthegoodintentionsthatmakememeddle，justnow，inmatterswhich，younodoubtthink，havenothingtodowithme。ButallowmetotellyouwhatIhaveseen——andIhaveseenmorethanyoususpect，Christine——orwhatIthoughtIsaw，for，totellyouthetruth，Ihavesometimesbeeninclinedtodoubttheevidenceofmyeyes。
　　Well，whatdidyousee，sir，orthinkyousaw？
　　IsawyourecstasyATTHESOUNDOFTHEVOICE，Christine：thevoicethatcamefromthewallorthenextroomtoyours……yes，YOURECSTASY！Andthatiswhatmakesmealarmedonyourbehalf。
　　Youareunderaverydangerousspell。Andyetitseemsthatyouareawareoftheimposture，becauseyousayto-dayTHATTHERE
　　ISNOANGELOFMUSIC！Inthatcase，Christine，whydidyoufollowhimthattime？Whydidyoustandup，withradiantfeatures，asthoughyouwerereallyhearingangels？……Ah，itisaverydangerousvoice，Christine，forImyself，whenIheardit，wassomuchfascinatedbyitthatyouvanishedbeforemyeyeswithoutmyseeingwhichwayyoupassed！Christine，Christine，inthenameofHeaven，inthenameofyourfatherwhoisinHeavennowandwholovedyousodearlyandwholovedmetoo，Christine，tellus，tellyourbenefactressandme，towhomdoesthatvoicebelong？Ifyoudo，wewillsaveyouinspiteofyourself。Come，Christine，thenameoftheman！Thenameofthemanwhohadtheaudacitytoputaringonyourfinger！
　　M。deChagny，thegirldeclaredcoldly，youshallneverknow！
　　Thereupon，seeingthehostilitywithwhichherwardhadaddressedtheviscount，MammaValeriussuddenlytookChristine’spart。
　　And，ifshedoeslovethatman，MonsieurleVicomte，eventhenitisnobusinessofyours！
　　Alas，madame，Raoulhumblyreplied，unabletorestrainhistears，alas，IbelievethatChristinereallydoeslovehim！……Butitisnotonlythatwhichdrivesmetodespair。forwhatIamnotcertainof，madame，isthatthemanwhomChristinelovesisworthyofherlove！
　　Itisformetobethejudgeofthat，monsieur！saidChristine，lookingRaoulangrilyintheface。
　　Whenaman，continuedRaoul，adoptssuchromanticmethodstoenticeayounggirl’saffections……
　　Themanmustbeeitheravillain，orthegirlafool：isthatit？
　　Christine！
　　Raoul，whydoyoucondemnamanwhomyouhaveneverseen，whomnooneknowsandaboutwhomyouyourselfknownothing？
　　Yes，Christine……Yes……Iatleastknowthenamethatyouthoughttokeepfrommeforever……ThenameofyourAngelofMusic，mademoiselle，isErik！
　　Christineatoncebetrayedherself。Sheturnedaswhiteasasheetandstammered：Whotoldyou？
　　Youyourself！
　　Howdoyoumean？
　　Bypityinghimtheothernight，thenightofthemaskedball。
　　Whenyouwenttoyourdressing-room，didyounotsay，`PoorErik？’
　　Well，Christine，therewasapoorRaoulwhooverheardyou。
　　Thisisthesecondtimethatyouhavelistenedbehindthedoor，M。deChagny！
　　Iwasnotbehindthedoor……Iwasinthedressing-room，intheinnerroom，mademoiselle。
　　Oh，unhappyman！moanedthegirl，showingeverysignofunspeakableterror。Unhappyman！Doyouwanttobekilled？
　　Perhaps。
　　RaoulutteredthisperhapswithsomuchloveanddespairinhisvoicethatChristinecouldnotkeepbackasob。Shetookhishandsandlookedathimwithallthepureaffectionofwhichshewascapable：
　　Raoul，shesaid，forgetTHEMAN’SVOICEanddonotevenrememberitsname……YoumustnevertrytofathomthemysteryofTHE
　　MAN’SVOICE。
　　Isthemysterysoveryterrible？
　　Thereisnomoreawfulmysteryonthisearth。Sweartomethatyouwillmakenoattempttofindout，sheinsisted。Sweartomethatyouwillnevercometomydressing-room，unlessIsendforyou。
　　Thenyoupromisetosendformesometimes，Christine？
　　Ipromise。
　　When？
　　To-morrow。
　　ThenIsweartodoasyouask。
　　Hekissedherhandsandwentaway，cursingErikandresolvingtobepatient。
　　ChapterXIAbovetheTrap-DoorsThenextday，hesawherattheOpera。Shewasstillwearingtheplaingoldring。Shewasgentleandkindtohim。Shetalkedtohimoftheplanswhichhewasforming，ofhisfuture，ofhiscareer。
　　HetoldherthatthedateofthePolarexpeditionhadbeenputforwardandthathewouldleaveFranceinthreeweeks，oramonthatlatest。
　　Shesuggested，almostgaily，thathemustlookuponthevoyagewithdelight，asastagetowardhiscomingfame。Andwhenherepliedthatfamewithoutlovewasnoattractioninhiseyes，shetreatedhimasachildwhosesorrowswereonlyshort-lived。
　　Howcanyouspeaksolightlyofsuchseriousthings？heasked。
　　Perhapsweshallneverseeeachotheragain！Imaydieduringthatexpedition。
　　OrI，shesaidsimply。
　　Shenolongersmiledorjested。Sheseemedtobethinkingofsomenewthingthathadenteredhermindforthefirsttime。
　　Hereyeswereallaglowwithit。
　　Whatareyouthinkingof，Christine？
　　Iamthinkingthatweshallnotseeeachotheragain……
　　Anddoesthatmakeyousoradiant？
　　Andthat，inamonth，weshallhavetosaygood-byforever！
　　Unless，Christine，wepledgeourfaithandwaitforeachotherforever。
　　Sheputherhandonhismouth。
　　Hush，Raoul！……Youknowthereisnoquestionofthat……
　　Andweshallneverbemarried：thatisunderstood！
　　Sheseemedsuddenlyalmostunabletocontainanoverpoweringgaiety。
　　Sheclappedherhandswithchildishglee。Raoulstaredatherinamazement。
　　But……but，shecontinued，holdingouthertwohandstoRaoul，orrathergivingthemtohim，asthoughshehadsuddenlyresolvedtomakehimapresentofthem，butifwecannotbemarried，wecan……wecanbeengaged！Nobodywillknowbutourselves，Raoul。
　　Therehavebeenplentyofsecretmarriages：whynotasecretengagement？……Weareengaged，dear，foramonth！Inamonth，youwillgoaway，andIcanbehappyatthethoughtofthatmonthallmylifelong！
　　Shewasenchantedwithherinspiration。Thenshebecameseriousagain。
　　This，shesaid，ISAHAPPINESSTHATWILLHARMNOONE。
　　Raouljumpedattheidea。HebowedtoChristineandsaid：
　　Mademoiselle，Ihavethehonortoaskforyourhand。
　　Why，youhavebothofthemalready，mydearbetrothed！……
　　Oh，Raoul，howhappyweshallbe！……Wemustplayatbeingengagedalldaylong。
　　Itwastheprettiestgameintheworldandtheyenjoyeditlikethechildrenthattheywere。Oh，thewonderfulspeechestheymadetoeachotherandtheeternalvowstheyexchanged！Theyplayedatheartsasotherchildrenmightplayatball。only，asitwasreallytheirtwoheartsthattheyflungtoandfro，theyhadtobevery，veryhandytocatchthem，eachtime，withouthurtingthem。
　　Oneday，aboutaweekafterthegamebegan，Raoul’sheartwasbadlyhurtandhestoppedplayingandutteredthesewildwords：
　　Ishan’tgototheNorthPole！
　　Christine，who，inherinnocence，hadnotdreamedofsuchapossibility，suddenlydiscoveredthedangerofthegameandreproachedherselfbitterly。
　　ShedidnotsayawordinreplytoRaoul’sremarkandwentstraighthome。
　　Thishappenedintheafternoon，inthesinger’sdressing-room，wheretheymeteverydayandwheretheyamusedthemselvesbydiningonthreebiscuits，twoglassesofportandabunchofviolets。
　　Intheevening，shedidnotsing。andhedidnotreceivehisusualletter，thoughtheyhadarrangedtowritetoeachotherdailyduringthatmonth。Thenextmorning，heranofftoMammaValerius，whotoldhimthatChristinehadgoneawayfortwodays。Shehadleftatfiveo’clockthedaybefore。
　　Raoulwasdistracted。HehatedMammaValeriusforgivinghimsuchnewsasthatwithsuchstupefyingcalmness。Hetriedtosoundher，buttheoldladyobviouslyknewnothing。
　　Christinereturnedonthefollowingday。Shereturnedintriumph。
　　Sherenewedherextraordinarysuccessofthegalaperformance。
　　Sincetheadventureofthetoad，Carlottahadnotbeenabletoappearonthestage。Theterrorofafreshco-ackfilledherheartanddeprivedherofallherpowerofsinging。andthetheaterthathadwitnessedherincomprehensibledisgracehadbecomeodioustoher。Shecontrivedtocancelhercontract。Daaewasofferedthevacantplaceforthetime。ShereceivedthundersofapplauseintheJuive。
　　Theviscount，who，ofcourse，waspresent，wastheonlyonetosufferonhearingthethousandechoesofthisfreshtriumph。
　　forChristinestillworeherplaingoldring。Adistantvoicewhisperedintheyoungman’sear：
　　Sheiswearingtheringagainto-night。andyoudidnotgiveittoher。Shegavehersoulagaintonightanddidnotgiveittoyou……Ifshewillnottellyouwhatshehasbeendoingthepasttwodays……youmustgoandaskErik！
　　Heranbehindthescenesandplacedhimselfinherway。Shesawhimforhereyeswerelookingforhim。Shesaid：
　　Quick！Quick！……Come！
　　Andshedraggedhimtoherdressing-room。
　　Raoulatoncethrewhimselfonhiskneesbeforeher。Hesworetoherthathewouldgoandheentreatedherneveragaintowithholdasinglehouroftheidealhappinesswhichshehadpromisedhim。
　　Shelethertearsflow。Theykissedlikeadespairingbrotherandsisterwhohavebeensmittenwithacommonlossandwhomeettomournadeadparent。
　　Suddenly，shesnatchedherselffromtheyoungman’ssoftandtimidembrace，seemedtolistentosomething，and，withaquickgesture，pointedtothedoor。Whenhewasonthethreshold，shesaid，insolowavoicethattheviscountguessedratherthanheardherwords：
　　To-morrow，mydearbetrothed！Andbehappy，Raoul：Isangforyouto-night！
　　Hereturnedthenextday。Butthosetwodaysofabsencehadbrokenthecharmoftheirdelightfulmake-believe。Theylookedateachother，inthedressing-room，withtheirsadeyes，withoutexchangingaword。
　　Raoulhadtorestrainhimselfnottocryout：
　　Iamjealous！Iamjealous！Iamjealous！
　　Butsheheardhimallthesame。Thenshesaid：
　　Comeforawalk，dear。Theairwilldoyougood。
　　Raoulthoughtthatshewouldproposeastrollinthecountry，farfromthatbuildingwhichhedetestedasaprisonwhosejailerhecouldfeelwalkingwithinthewalls……thejailerErik……
　　Butshetookhimtothestageandmadehimsitonthewoodencurbofawell，inthedoubtfulpeaceandcoolnessofafirstscenesetfortheevening’sperformance。
　　Onanotherday，shewanderedwithhim，handin，hand，alongthedesertedpathsofagardenwhosecreepershadbeencutoutbyadecorator’sskilfulhands。Itwasasthoughtherealsky，therealflowers，therealearthwereforbiddenherforalltimeandshecondemnedtobreathenootherairthanthatofthetheater。Anoccasionalfiremanpassed，watchingovertheirmelancholyidyllfromafar。
　　Andshewoulddraghimupabovetheclouds，inthemagnificentdisorderofthegrid，whereshelovedtomakehimgiddybyrunninginfrontofhimalongthefrailbridges，amongthethousandsofropesfastenedtothepulleys，thewindlasses，therollers，inthemidstofaregularforestofyardsandmasts。Ifhehesitated，shesaid，withanadorablepoutofherlips：
　　You，asailor！
　　Andthentheyreturnedtoterrafirma，thatistosay，tosomepassagethatledthemtothelittlegirls’dancing-school，wherebratsbetweensixandtenwerepractisingtheirsteps，inthehopeofbecominggreatdancersoneday，coveredwithdiamonds……
　　Meanwhile，Christinegavethemsweetsinstead。
　　Shetookhimtothewardrobeandproperty-rooms，tookhimalloverherempire，whichwasartificial，butimmense，coveringseventeenstoriesfromtheground-floortotheroofandinhabitedbyanarmyofsubjects。Shemovedamongthemlikeapopularqueen，encouragingthemintheirlabors，sittingdownintheworkshops，givingwordsofadvicetotheworkmenwhosehandshesitatedtocutintotherichstuffsthatweretoclotheheroes。Therewereinhabitantsofthatcountrywhopractisedeverytrade。Therewerecobblers，thereweregoldsmiths。Allhadlearnedtoknowherandtoloveher，forshealwaysinterestedherselfinalltheirtroublesandalltheirlittlehobbies。
　　Sheknewunsuspectedcornersthatweresecretlyoccupiedbylittleoldcouples。SheknockedattheirdoorandintroducedRaoultothemasaPrinceCharmingwhohadaskedforherhand。andthetwoofthem，sittingonsomeworm-eatenproperty，wouldlistentothelegendsoftheOpera，evenas，intheirchildhood，theyhadlistenedtotheoldBretontales。ThoseoldpeoplerememberednothingoutsidetheOpera。
　　Theyhadlivedthereforyearswithoutnumber。Pastmanagementshadforgottenthem。palacerevolutionshadtakennonoticeofthem。
　　thehistoryofFrancehadrunitscourseunknowntothem。andnobodyrecollectedtheirexistence。
　　Thepreciousdaysspedinthisway。andRaoulandChristine，byaffectingexcessiveinterestinoutsidematters，stroveawkwardlytohidefromeachothertheonethoughtoftheirhearts。Onefactwascertain，thatChristine，whountilthenhadshownherselfthestrongerofthetwo，becamesuddenlyinexpressiblynervous。
　　Whenontheirexpeditions，shewouldstartrunningwithoutreasonorelsesuddenlystop。andherhand，turningice-coldinamoment，wouldholdtheyoungmanback。Sometimeshereyesseemedtopursueimaginaryshadows。Shecried，Thisway，andThisway，
　　andThisway，laughingabreathlesslaughthatoftenendedintears。ThenRaoultriedtospeak，toquestionher，inspiteofhispromises。But，evenbeforehehadwordedhisquestion，sheansweredfeverishly：
　　Nothing……Iswearitisnothing。
　　Once，whentheywerepassingbeforeanopentrapdooronthestage，Raoulstoppedoverthedarkcavity。
　　Youhaveshownmeovertheupperpartofyourempire，Christine，buttherearestrangestoriestoldofthelowerpart。Shallwegodown？
　　Shecaughthiminherarms，asthoughshefearedtoseehimdisappeardowntheblackhole，and，inatremblingvoice，whispered：
　　Never！……Iwillnothaveyougothere！……Besides，it’snotmine……EVERYTHINGTHATISUNDERGROUNDBELONGSTOHIM！
　　Raoullookedherintheeyesandsaidroughly：
　　Sohelivesdownthere，doeshe？
　　Ineversaidso……Whotoldyouathinglikethat？Comeaway！
　　Isometimeswonderifyouarequitesane，Raoul……Youalwaystakethingsinsuchanimpossibleway……Comealong！Come！
　　Andsheliterallydraggedhimaway，forhewasobstinateandwantedtoremainbythetrap-door。thatholeattractedhim。
　　Suddenly，thetrap-doorwasclosedandsoquicklythattheydidnotevenseethehandthatworkedit。andtheyremainedquitedazed。
　　PerhapsHEwasthere，Raoulsaid，atlast。
　　Sheshruggedhershoulders，butdidnotseemeasy。
　　No，no，itwasthe`trap-door-shutters。’Theymustdosomething，youknow……Theyopenandshutthetrap-doorswithoutanyparticularreason……It’slikethe`door-shutters：’
　　theymustspendtheirtimesomehow。
　　ButsupposeitwereHE，Christine？
　　No，no！Hehasshuthimselfup，heisworking。
　　Oh，really！He’sworking，ishe？
　　Yes，hecan’topenandshutthetrap-doorsandworkatthesametime。
　　Sheshivered。
　　Whatisheworkingat？
　　Oh，somethingterrible！……Butit’sallthebetterforus……Whenhe’sworkingatthat，heseesnothing。hedoesnoteat，drink，orbreathefordaysandnightsatatime……hebecomesalivingdeadmanandhasnotimetoamusehimselfwiththetrap-doors。
　　Sheshiveredagain。Shewasstillholdinghiminherarms。
　　Thenshesighedandsaid，inherturn：
　　SupposeitwereHE！
　　Areyouafraidofhim？
　　No，no，ofcoursenot，shesaid。
　　Forallthat，onthenextdayandthefollowingdays，Christinewascarefultoavoidthetrap-doors。Heragitationonlyincreasedasthehourspassed。Atlast，oneafternoon，shearrivedverylate，withherfacesodesperatelypaleandhereyessodesperatelyred，thatRaoulresolvedtogotoalllengths，includingthatwhichheforeshadowedwhenheblurtedoutthathewouldnotgoontheNorthPoleexpeditionunlessshefirsttoldhimthesecretoftheman’svoice。
　　Hush！Hush，inHeaven’snameISupposeHEheardyou，youunfortunateRaoul！
　　AndChristine’seyesstaredwildlyateverythingaroundher。
　　Iwillremoveyoufromhispower，Christine，Iswearit。
　　Andyoushallnotthinkofhimanymore。
　　Isitpossible？
　　Sheallowedherselfthisdoubt，whichwasanencouragernent，whiledraggingtheyoungmanuptothetopmostfloorofthetheater，far，veryfarfromthetrap-doors。
　　Ishallhideyouinsomeunknowncorneroftheworld，whereHE
　　cannotcometolookforyou。Youwillbesafe。andthenIshallgoaway……asyouhaveswornnevertomarry。
　　ChristineseizedRaoul’shandsandsqueezedthemwithincrediblerapture。
　　But，suddenlybecomingalarmedagain，sheturnedawayherhead。
　　Higher！wasallshesaid。Higherstill！
　　Andshedraggedhimuptowardthesummit。
　　Hehadadifficultyinfollowingher。Theyweresoonundertheveryroof，inthemazeoftimber-work。Theyslippedthroughthebuttresses，therafters，thejoists。theyranfrombeamtobeamastheymighthaverunfromtreetotreeinaforest。
　　And，despitethecarewhichshetooktolookbehindherateverymoment，shefailedtoseeashadowwhichfollowedherlikeherownshadow，whichstoppedwhenshestopped，whichstartedagainwhenshedidandwhichmadenomorenoisethanawell-conductedshadowshould。
　　AsforRaoul，hesawnothingeither。for，whenhehadChristineinfrontofhim，nothinginterestedhimthathappenedbehind。
　　ChapterXIIApollo’sLyreOnthisway，theyreachedtheroof。Christinetrippedoveritaslightlyasaswallow。Theireyesswepttheemptyspacebetweenthethreedomesandthetriangularpediment。ShebreathedfreelyoverParis，thewholevalleyofwhichwasseenatworkbelow。
　　ShecalledRaoultocomequiteclosetoherandtheywalkedsidebysidealongthezincstreets，intheleadenavenues。theylookedattheirtwinshapesinthehugetanks，fullofstagnantwater，where，inthehotweather，thelittleboysoftheballet，ascoreorso，learntoswimanddive。
　　Theshadowhadfollowedbehindthemclingingtotheirsteps。
　　andthetwochildrenlittlesuspecteditspresencewhentheyatlastsatdown，trustingly，underthemightyprotectionofApollo，who，withagreatbronzegesture，liftedhishugelyretotheheartofacrimsonsky。
　　Itwasagorgeousspringevening。Clouds，whichhadjustreceivedtheirgossamerrobeofgoldandpurplefromthesettingsun，driftedslowlyby。andChristinesaidtoRaoul：
　　Soonweshallgofartherandfasterthantheclouds，totheendoftheworld，andthenyouwillleaveme，Raoul。But，if，whenthemomentcomesAPOLLO’foryoutotakemeaway，Irefusetogowithyou——
　　wellyoumustcarrymeoffbyforce！
　　Areyouafraidthatyouwillchangeyourmind，Christine？
　　Idon’tknow，shesaid，shakingherheadinanoddfashion。
　　Heisademon！Andsheshiveredandnestledinhisarmswithamoan。
　　Iamafraidnowofgoingbacktolivewithhim……intheground！
　　Whatcompelsyoutogoback，Christine？
　　IfIdonotgobacktohim，terriblemisfortunesmayhappen！……
　　ButIcan’tdoit，Ican’tdoit！……Iknowoneoughttobesorryforpeoplewholiveunderground……Butheistoohorrible！
　　Andyetthetimeisathand。Ihaveonlyadayleft。and，ifI
　　donotgo，hewillcomeandfetchmewithhisvoice。Andhewilldragmewithhim，underground，andgoonhiskneesbeforeme，withhisdeath’shead。Andhewilltellmethathelovesme！
　　Andhewillcry！Oh，thosetears，Raoul，thosetearsinthetwoblackeye-socketsofthedeath’shead！Icannotseethosetearsflowagain！
　　Shewrungherhandsinanguish，whileRaoulpressedhertohisheart。
　　No，no，youshallneveragainhearhimtellyouthathelovesyou！
　　Youshallnotseehistears！Letusfly，Christine，letusflyatonce！
　　Andhetriedtodragheraway，thenandthere。Butshestoppedhim。
　　No，no，shesaid，shakingherheadsadly。Notnow！……Itwouldbetoocruel……lethimhearmesingto-morrowevening……andthenwewillgoaway。Youmustcomeandfetchmeinmydressing-roomatmidnightexactly。Hewillthenbewaitingformeinthedining-roombythelake……weshallbefreeandyoushalltakemeaway……
　　Youmustpromisemethat，Raoul，evenifIrefuse。forIfeelthat，ifIgobackthistime，Ishallperhapsneverreturn。
　　Andshegaveasightowhichitseemedtoherthatanothersigh，behindher，replied。
　　Didn’tyouhear？
　　Herteethchattered。
　　No，saidRaoul，Iheardnothing。
　　Itistooterrible，sheconfessed，tobealwaystremblinglikethis！……Andyetwerunnodangerhere。weareathome，inthesky，intheopenair，inthelight。Thesunisflaming。
　　andnight-birdscannotbeartolookatthesun。Ihaveneverseenhimbydaylight……itmustbeawful！……Oh，thefirsttimeI
　　sawhim！……Ithoughtthathewasgoingtodie。
　　Why？askedRaoul，reallyfrightenedattheaspectwhichthisstrangeconfidencewastaking。
　　BECAUSEIHADSEENHIM！
　　Thistime，RaoulandChristineturnedroundatthesametime：
　　Thereissomeoneinpain，saidRaoul。Perhapssomeonehasbeenhurt。Didyouhear？
　　Ican’tsay，Christineconfessed。Evenwhenheisnotthere，myearsarefullofhissighs。Still，ifyouheard……
　　Theystoodupandlookedaroundthem。Theywerequitealoneontheimmenseleadroof。TheysatdownagainandRaoulsaid：
　　Tellmehowyousawhimfirst。
　　Ihadheardhimforthreemonthswithoutseeinghim。ThefirsttimeI
　　heardit，Ithought，asyoudid，thatthatadorablevoicewassinginginanotherroom。Iwentoutandlookedeverywhere。but，asyouknow，Raoul，mydressing-roomisverymuchbyitself。andIcouldnotfindthevoiceoutsidemyroom，whereasitwentonsteadilyinside。
　　Anditnotonlysang，butitspoketomeandansweredmyquestions，likearealman’svoice，withthisdifference，thatitwasasbeautifulasthevoiceofanangel。IhadnevergottheAngelofMusicwhommypoorfatherhadpromisedtosendmeassoonashewasdead。
　　IreallythinkthatMammaValeriuswasalittlebittoblame。
　　Itoldheraboutit。andsheatoncesaid，`ItmustbetheAngel。
　　atanyrate，youcandonoharmbyaskinghim。’Ididso。
　　andtheman’svoicerepliedthat，yes，itwastheAngel’svoice，thevoicewhichIwasexpectingandwhichmyfatherhadpromisedme。
　　Fromthattimeonward，thevoiceandIbecamegreatfriends。
　　Itaskedleavetogivemelessonseveryday。Iagreedandneverfailedtokeeptheappointmentwhichitgavemeinmydressing-room。Youhavenoidea，thoughyouhaveheardthevoice，ofwhatthoselessonswerelike。
　　No，Ihavenoidea，saidRaoul。Whatwasyouraccompaniment？
　　WewereaccompaniedbyamusicwhichIdonotknow：itwasbehindthewallandwonderfullyaccurate。Thevoiceseemedtounderstandmineexactly，toknowpreciselywheremyfatherhadleftoffteachingme。Inafewweeks’time，IhardlyknewmyselfwhenIsang。
　　Iwasevenfrightened。Iseemedtodreadasortofwitchcraftbehindit。butMammaValeriusreassuredme。ShesaidthatsheknewIwasmuchtoosimpleagirltogivethedevilaholdonme……Myprogress，bythevoice’sownorder，waskeptasecretbetweenthevoice，MammaValeriusandmyself。Itwasacuriousthing，but，outsidethedressing-room，Isangwithmyordinary，every-dayvoiceandnobodynoticedanything。Ididallthatthevoiceasked。Itsaid，`Waitandsee：weshallastonishParis！’
　　AndIwaitedandlivedoninasortofecstaticdream。ItwasthenthatIsawyouforthefirsttimeoneevening，inthehouse。
　　IwassogladthatIneverthoughtofconcealingmydelightwhenI
　　reachedmydressing-room。Unfortunately，thevoicewastherebeforemeandsoonnoticed，bymyair，thatsomethinghadhappened。
　　ItaskedwhatwasthematterandIsawnoreasonforkeepingourstorysecretorconcealingtheplacewhichyoufilledinmyheart。
　　Thenthevoicewassilent。Icalledtoit，butitdidnotreply。
　　Ibeggedandentreated，butinvain。Iwasterrifiedlestithadgoneforgood。IwishtoHeavenithad，dear！……Thatnight，Iwenthomeinadesperatecondition。ItoldMammaValerius，whosaid，`Why，ofcourse，thevoiceisjealous！’Andthat，dear，firstrevealedtomethatIlovedyou。
　　ChristinestoppedandlaidherheadonRaoul’sshoulder。Theysatlikethatforamoment，insilence，andtheydidnotsee，didnotperceivethemovement，atafewstepsfromthem，ofthecreepingshadowoftwogreatblackwings，ashadowthatcamealongtheroofsonear，sonearthemthatitcouldhavestifledthembyclosingoverthem。
　　Thenextday，Christinecontinued，withasigh，Iwentbacktomydressing-roominaverypensiveframeofmind。Thevoicewasthere，spoketomewithgreatsadnessandtoldmeplainlythat，ifImustbestowmyheartonearth，therewasnothingforthevoicetodobuttogobacktoHeaven。AnditsaidthiswithsuchanaccentofHUMANsorrowthatIoughtthenandtheretohavesuspectedandbeguntobelievethatIwasthevictimofmydeludedsenses。
　　Butmyfaithinthevoice，withwhichthememoryofmyfatherwassocloselyintermingled，remainedundisturbed。IfearednothingsomuchasthatImightneverhearitagain。Ihadthoughtaboutmyloveforyouandrealizedalltheuselessdangerofit。
　　andIdidnotevenknowifyourememberedme。Whateverhappened，yourpositioninsocietyforbademetocontemplatethepossibilityofevermarryingyou。andIsworetothevoicethatyouwerenomorethanabrothertomenoreverwouldbeandthatmyheartwasincapableofanyearthlylove。Andthat，dear，waswhyIrefusedtorecognizeorseeyouwhenImetyouonthestageorinthepassages。
　　Meanwhile，thehoursduringwhichthevoicetaughtmewerespentinadivinefrenzy，until，atlast，thevoicesaidtome，`Youcannow，ChristineDaae，givetomenalittleofthemusicofHeaven。’