Page 42 - Phantom of the Opera

Christine had been seen. It was bitterly cold, and there was no He climbed the grand stairs at five minutes to twelve, and
one on the road, which was brightly lit from the moon. He entered the room mentioned in Christine's letter. He found it full
waited. After half an hour, a carriage turned the corner and came of people — those going for supper passing those who were
quietly and slowly in his direction. returning from taking a glass of wine.
"Christine!" Her name burst out of him. It was a great mistake He did not have to wait long. Someone in a black mask and a
because it caused the carriage to suddenly fly past him at great black coat gave a quick squeeze to the tips of his fingers. He
speed. Someone quickly closed the window and her face understood that it was Christine and followed her.
disappeared. She had passed without answering his cry. "Is that you, Christine?" he asked, between his teeth.
In the morning, his servant found him sitting on his bed. He She raised her fingers to her lips, warning him not to mention
had not undressed. When he saw Raoul's face, the servant her name again.
thought that a disaster had happened. Raoul quickly took his He was afraid of losing her, after meeting her again in such
letters from the servant's hand. He recognized Christine's paper strange circumstances. His feelings of anger were gone. He was
and handwriting. She had written: ready to forgive her. He was in love. As he followed his guide, he
Dear: noticed a group crowding around a person whose mask, strange
Go to the masked party at the Opera on the night after manner, and terrible appearance were causing great excitement.
tomorrow. At midnight, be in the little room behind the stairs. It was a man dressed all in red, with a large hat and feathers on
Stand near the door that leads to the great hall. Don't mention top of a wonderful mask of death. He wore a long red coat with
this appointment to anyone on earth. Wear a white mask and a gold letters that read: Don't touch me! I am Red Death!
white coat. If you love me, do not let yourself be recognized. As Raoul passed by, he nearly cried out, "The face of Death
from Perros-Guirec!" He had recognized him, but Christine took
Christine.
him by the arm and led him away. They went up two floors,
where she took him to the back of a private box and told him
not to show himself. Raoul took off his mask; Christine kept
Chapter 5 A Party Mask hers on.
.
She stopped and listened, then said, "He's gone up higher ..
The letter was covered with mud and written on it was To be Oh, no! He's coming down again!"
handed to Viscount Chagny. Did she throw it from the carriage, Raoul saw a red foot followed by another .. then the whole
.
hoping that someone would find it and deliver it? That is, in fact,
red coat of Red Death met his eyes. And again he saw the face of
what happened.
Death that he had seen in Perros-Guirec. Just as Raoul started to
Raoul read it again and again. Whose prisoner was she? What rush out, Christine closed the door. Raoul tried to push her but,
.
evil person had carried her away .. and how? And now he was with surprising strength, she stopped him.
taking her for drives in the woods. Raoul pitied her — and he "He will not escape!" said Raoul.
cursed her. But, he bought a white mask. "Who? Who will not?" she asked in a changed voice.

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