Призрак Оперы

           "

           "Yes,youmustgo,"saidthedoctor,withhispleasantestsmile."Leavemetoattendtomademoiselle."

           "Iamnotillnow,"saidChristinesuddenly,withstrangeandunexpectedenergy.

           Sheroseandpassedherhandoverhereyelids.

           "Thankyou,Doctor.Ishouldliketobealone.Pleasegoaway,allofyou.Leaveme.Ifeelveryrestlessthisevening."

           Thedoctortriedtomakeashortprotest,but,perceivingthegirl’sevidentagitation,hethoughtthebestremedywasnottothwarther.Andhewentaway,sayingtoRaoul,outside:

           "Sheisnotherselfto-night.Sheisusuallysogentle."

           ThenhesaidgoodnightandRaoulwasleftalone.Thewholeofthispartofthetheaterwasnowdeserted.Thefarewellceremonywasnodoubttakingplaceinthefoyeroftheballet.RaoulthoughtthatDaaemightgotoitandhewaitedinthesilentsolitude,evenhidinginthefavoringshadowofadoorway.HefeltaterriblepainathisheartanditwasofthisthathewantedtospeaktoDaaewithoutdelay.

           Suddenlythedressing-roomdooropenedandthemaidcameoutbyherself,carryingbundles.Hestoppedherandaskedhowhermistresswas.Thewomanlaughedandsaidthatshewasquitewell,butthathemustnotdisturbher,forshewishedtobeleftalone.Andshepassedon.OneideaalonefilledRaoul’sburningbrain:ofcourse,DaaewishedtobeleftaloneFORHIM!Hadhenottoldherthathewantedtospeaktoherprivately?

           Hardlybreathing,hewentuptothedressing-roomand,withhiseartothedoortocatchherreply,preparedtoknock.Buthishanddropped.