It was another three weeks before the managers heard anything from Christine. Of course, her departure threw the Opera into a panic. Christine's newfound status as a Prima Donna was short lived. My threats could be no help if there was no Christine. Carlotta once again took over. I was getting too upset to do anything to her, though it was always a lot of fun.

Even when Christine got upset, she never went off without telling anyone. Perhaps I had not been consulting the correct people. I never talked to anyone if I had a choice. I decided I would have to pay a visit to the ballet rats.

I always heard lots of Opera gossip from the secret panel inside their practice room. It was always good material for blackmail, but apparently, Christine's disappearance was old news. Now they were talking about meaningless things like ribbons and costumes, and boys I had never heard of. I was about to leave when Meg Giry came into the room. A young English girl named Jocelyn came up to her and handed her an envelope. She then whispered something in her ear. My heart lifted. Christine, Meg, and Jocelyn were all good friends. If there would be any news from Christine it would be given to those two.

Meg ripped open the envelope, and carelessly tossed it on the floor. Her eyes quickly scanned the paper. By this time, all the other ballet rats had left to begin rehearsal on stage, and Jocelyn and Meg were the only two girls left. They were both reading the letter, and smiling to each other. Suddenly, Madame Giry's voice yelled for them, and in their haste, they also carelessly dropped the letter.

I quickly slipped out of the secret compartment and into the room, picking up both letter and envelope. Just as I was about to go back into the secret panel, a young one came in. She took one look at me and froze. I tipped my hat to her. In return all she could do was pass out. No one has any manners these day.

I waited until arriving at my house to read the letter. Upon reaching my sofa, I examined the envelope. Christine was careful. She put no return address on the envelope, and she of course did not put a seal on the wax that closed the envelope. I don't know why I thought she would. The letter proved to be somewhat useful. I suppose she had figured no one but Jocelyn and Meg would see the letter, but still she was very vague about her location and who she was with. Perhaps Meg and Jocelyn already knew. I would, perhaps, have to leave them a letter from myself. Maybe they would be a little more careful with it. The letter read as follows.

Dearest M and J,
It is quite lovely here. I spend my days doing nothing of consequence. I am healthy, and am getting lots of rest. Only, sometimes I worry about you all at the Opera. How are things going without me? You will apologize to the managers for the inconvenience. I know it has probably caused them lots of trouble, but there was no way around it. Life was just getting too complicated, what with Raoul pressuring me to marry him, and Erik ignoring me. I could hardly stand it anymore. That's another good thing about this place. I have all the time in the world to think. Perhaps it is the air. It is said to be much cleaner. When I return home, I shall confront Erik. If he does not explain himself, I shall be forced to do something drastic. I have not quite thought of what yet, but perhaps my other decision will inadvertently solve both problems, for I know it will solve one. I shall refuse Raoul's offer of marriage, and if he asks me one more time, I shall tell him we can never speak to each other again. I know Erik is mad because of all the time I've spent with Raoul, and I hope I can make it up to him somehow. I shall be returning in three days time.

I laughed out loud. So she was going to refuse the boy's hand! It would make him go absolutely mad, and then the fun would really start. I wondered how Christine would react to the Vicomte's tale of our skirmish. He would probably twist it around so that he was knocked unconscious defending her honor. I was anxious to see what the boy would come up with.

Imagine what the world would be like without young, stupid, rich people. They provide me with endless amusement. Though that fact is true, let me say, I would be delighted when the time came that I could finally kill the Vicomte. I don't know how I knew, but someday I just know that the boy will end up in my rope, and Christine will be standing there watching. It will be a most enjoyable experience.