4 August, 1871
Dearest,
I am beginning to get quite concerned about you, Philippe. I haven't seen you since we retuned from out most lovely vacation. What are these rumors I hear of your brother being injured?
Violetta Sorelli
(Received later the same day.)
4 August, 1871
Darling Beloved,
I must again beg your forgiveness, but I believe you will understand when I explain what it is that has occupied these last few weeks.
Upon returning from Calais, I discovered that my brother Raoul had gone to Perros. Upon further inquiry, I discovered that he had gone following the very same Mlle. Christine Daaé who we have on occasion discussed. Against my better judgment, I decided not to go after him.
Some days later I received a letter stating that Raoul had been in an accident. Fearing the worst, immediately I hurried to Perros to make sure that he was perfectly alright and to oversee his return to Paris. I found him at his hotel, a bit scraped up, but alive. Fortunately, the only serious damage was done to a handkerchief which he used to clean a small cut.
What made this most unbelievable, however, was the story he told me about how he received such injuries. Apparently one night he followed Mlle. Daaé to the cemetery there, where her father is buried. He claims he there heard her speak to and sing with the "Angel of music", and angel sent to her by her father. He also heard the "angel" playing "The Resurrection of Lazarus" for her on the violin. What's more than all this: Mlle. Daaé told him that this was going to happen.
Well, after she left, Raoul went to look around and see who was there. (Ha was a bit skeptical about this "angel" nonsense.) Then, it would seem someone or something decided to bowl skulls at him. So, he chased down this shadow and caught its cloak. When it turned around, he saw that it had a death's head, and he fainted.
I thought a few years in the navy would have toughened him a bit more than that.
Well, he is safe at home now, and I've kept him indoors to make sure he's alright. I promise I shall be outside your dressing room with flowers and kisses within the next few days. Ever yours, etc.
Comte Philippe de Chagny
