Page 41 - Phantom of the Opera

worried. They would not speak about the fall of the chandelier, And that he would go away forever! So, you understand, she can't
but they were, at least partly, responsible. It had been decided that let the Angel of Music go."
the cause of death of the servant was accidental, but that the old "Yes, yes," Raoul answered, understanding nothing.
and new managers were responsible for not noticing that the "I thought she told you all this in Perros. He arranged to meet
chandelier needed repairs. her there at Daae's grave, and he promised to play her The
The managers became impatient with everyone, except Resurrection of Lazarus on her father's violin."
Madame Giry — who had her job back. They were impatient "Madame, will you kindly tell me where that genius lives?"
with the viscount when he asked about Christine. They told him "In Heaven!"
that she was away for an unlimited period, for reasons of health.
This simple old woman's answer surprised him. He did not
The viscount decided to visit Madame Valerius. She was sick
know what to say. He now realized the possible state of mind of a
in bed but agreed to see him.
girl brought up by a superstitious Scandinavian violinist and a
"Monsieur Chagny!" she cried happily. "It's Heaven that sends
superstitious old woman. The thought of this made him feel
you here! We can talk of her!"
uncomfortable.
"Madame .. where is Christine?"
.
"How long has she known this genius?"
"She is with her good genius!" the old woman answered
"About three months ... yes, three months ago he started
calmly. "With the Angel of Music!" Then, putting her finger to
giving her lessons." •
her lips, she warned him, "You must not tell anyone! I'm very
"The genius gives her lessons? Where?"
fond of you, Monsieur Raoul... And Christine is too!"
"In her dressing room. In the Opera at eight o'clock in the
"What makes you think that?" he asked in a low voice.
morning, when there is no one around!"
"She used to speak about you every day. She told me that you
Raoul quickly left and went to his brother's house. "What a
had asked her to marry you." The old lady began to laugh.
fool I have been!" he thought. "How cruel she is!"
Raoul jumped up from his chair, embarrassed and suffering
His brother was waiting for him and Raoul fell into his arms
great tortures.
like a child. Of course, Raoul could not tell him the story of the
"Where are you going? Do you think I will let you go like
Angel of Music — Philippe would think Christine was mad.
that?" she asked. "I'm sorry for laughing, but didn't you know?
Philippe told Raoul, "Christine was seen last night in a
Did you think that Christine was free?"
carriage, with a man, in the woods."
"Is she going to marry someone?" he asked, trying to control
At first, Raoul refused to believe this. But his brother told him
his emotions.
all the details. She had been seen riding in a carriage, with the
"No! But you know as well as I do that Christine couldn't
window down. The moon was shining brightly. The man's
marry, even if she wanted to!"
shadowy figure was leaning back in the dark and the carriage
"But I don't know anything about it! Why can't she?"
went no faster than a man walking.
"Because the Angel of Music forbids her to! He tells her that
if she got married, she would never hear him again. That's all! That evening, Raoul went out with the count for dinner, but
left early. He found himself by ten o'clock in the woods where
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