Calico Illustrated Classics: The Phantom of the Opera
2 The Voice While the girls learned of Joseph’s death in Sorelli’s dressing room the audience celebrated Christine Daae Christine was a newer singer at the opera She had replaced Carlotta who was ill that evening Before this evening no one paid attention to Christine’s voice After tonight no one would ever forget As she performed Romeo and Juliet the audience knew a star was among them Who was this fine singer and why had the managers kept her hidden The whole house rose to its feet shouting cheering and clapping for Christine Up until that moment Carlotta had been the star of the 10
Opera house Now it was clear that Christine’s voice was superior At the end of her performance overcome with emotion from the standing ovation Christine fainted She was taken to her dressing room Count Philippe and his brother Raoul de Chagny were in one of the boxes watching that evening When Raoul saw Christine faint he felt like fainting himself Don’t you see her Brother She has fainted Let’s go and see her at once Count Philippe gave his brother a curious smile It was only then that Philippe realized why Raoul had pestered him to go to the opera Raoul was in love Within a minute they were at Christine’s door Raoul made his way through the crowd and took off his gloves Count Philippe thought it strange that he knew the way through the halls Had he visited before in secret 11
When the show ended Count Philippe usually went to see Sorelli He looked at his brother and realized Sorelli would have to wait tonight They walked to Christine’s room where the doctor was already waiting The room was crowded with well-wishers Most were men Doctor said Raoul don’t you think you should clear the room There’s no room for Christine to breathe You’re quite right said the doctor He sent everyone but Raoul and the maid away The maid looked at Raoul with great curiosity She had no idea who he was but she didn’t dare question him The doctor assumed that Raoul belonged there When Christine woke up she blinked twice at Raoul Sir who are you Raoul bent down and kissed her hand Do you remember the little boy who chased your scarf into the sea so many years ago I am that boy 12
Christine looked at the maid and laughed Raoul stood His cheeks burned May I say something to you in private since you do not recognize me When I am feeling better she replied You must go said the doctor I must tend to this woman Christine sat up straight I am not ill any longer she said with a strange and unexpected burst of energy She put her hands over her eyes All of you must go away at once I wish to be left alone The three left at once She is not herself tonight said the doctor to Raoul She is usually so gentle Raoul knew all about Christine’s gentleness How could she not remember his The maid and the doctor said good night and left Raoul was now alone outside the dressing room The halls were deserted Raoul assumed everyone was at the party 13
