Призрак Оперы
XIII A Master-stroke Of The Trap-door Lover
WherehadChristinegone?Whatwitchcrafthadsnatchedher,awaybeforetheeyesofthousandsofenthusiasticonlookersandfromthearmsofCarolusFontahimself?Itwasasthoughtheangelshadreallycarriedherup"torest."
Raoul,stillstandingupintheamphitheater,hadutteredacry.CountPhilippehadsprungtohisfeetinhisbox.Peoplelookedatthestage,atthecount,atRaoul,andwonderedifthiscuriouseventwasconnectedinanywaywiththeparagraphinthatmorning’spaper.ButRaoulhurriedlylefthisseat,thecountdisappearedfromhisboxand,whilethecurtainwaslowered,thesubscribersrushedtothedoorthatledbehindthescenes.Therestoftheaudiencewaitedamidanindescribablehubbub.Everyonespokeatonce.Everyonetriedtosuggestanexplanationoftheextraordinaryincident.
Atlast,thecurtainroseslowlyandCarolusFontasteppedtotheconductor’sdeskand,inasadandseriousvoice,said:
"Ladiesandgentlemen,anunprecedentedeventhastakenplaceandthrownusintoastateofthegreatestalarm.Oursister-artist,ChristineDaae,hasdisappearedbeforeoureyesandnobodycantellushow!"
