As soon as she was inside, Darcelle marvelled at everything, sometimes forgetting to be alert of the people around her. Surprisingly, she was able to avoid drawing attention to herself. It probably helped that everyone was so busy preparing for the show that they were not paying any attention to anyone around them.
Now, where was she going to watch the show from? She certainly couldn't sit in the audience; she would be noticed then. Then, suddenly, Darcelle heard someone say, "Keep Box 5 empty. You-know-who is demanding to keep it so."
"What? The Phantom?"
"Shhh! We don't want to scare the audience or stagehands."
"Ah, my friend, someone is merely playing a silly joke on us. There is no Phantom."
"But, the letter..."
"It is all a jest. Do not worry."
"I still insist that no one use Box 5."
"Very well, if it will please you, and if it will make you be quiet."
Darcelle thought, after the two men went somewhere else, "Hmm. A box is to be left empty. That would be a perfect place to see the show, and nobody would see me if I'd be careful." The talk of a phantom didn't even cross her mind much; she knew there were no such thing as ghosts.
The young girl was able to sneak into the box without being seen. It appeared that all that practice from stealing was paying off. She tried to keep low so no one would come near her.
Later, the opera started. Darcelle was mesmerized from the moment the curtain rose. Everything was beautiful: the scenery, the costumes, and the voices! Everything was so wonderful! It was a dream come true!
A little bit before the first act ended, Darcelle heard a voice beside her. "What are you doing in my box?"
Darcelle shook, startled. "I...I..."
"And how did you get in without being seen?"
The girl looked around, but saw no one close to her. "I'm sorry," she apologized, quickly. "I just wanted-"
"I know what you wanted. Since I admire your courage and stealth, you may sit here this one time, but you will leave right after the show is over. Understood?"
"Yes," Darcelle said, frightened.
For the rest of the opera, Darcelle sat straight up, stiffly. She was scared, but she didn't let that stop her from watching the show. She immersed herself in the opera once more, ignoring everything around her.
At last, the show was over. As soon as the curtain fell, Darcelle remembered the voice's warning, and she darted up and quickly left the box. She manuevered her way around the interior, and finally got outside.
Darcelle ran toward an alley and stopped to catch her breath. She had almost been caught many times, but she was able to do what she came there for. Then, it occured to her that it was too risky to do ever again. She would never have the money or proper clothes or manners to legally go there, but at least she got to see one opera.
Then, she thought about the voice. It had been right beside her, yet, she saw nothing. It had frightened her, but not enough to make her leave. Was THAT the Phantom of which the men were speaking of? No, it couldn't be. Phantoms didn't exist. Maybe it was too dark for her to see him. Maybe his voice was just louder than she thought it was, and thus could be out of sight while at the same time talking to her. Yes, there were perfectly good explanations for her not seeing him. She did not dwell on the voice, however. She needed to rob a home, quickly, before Monsieur Voclain got suspicious.