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！