CHAPTER 7

Christine paid little attention to her room. She had found lodging with little difficulty, but all she had wanted was a place to sleep. Lifting her bag onto the bed she took out a scarf and warmer pair of gloves, then went immediately back outside. She wanted to begin at once.

The only hope that she could see was to inquire from various property holders in the city about a large house located outside the city that had recently been rented. She gained little information this way however, and as the day wore on she became discouraged. Then, on what she thought would be the last place she would try, the gentleman who she was talking to said he thought he might know the place she meant, and directed her to the owner of the property.

It seemed that the old house had been inherited by a young lady, and this was who Christine called upon. Madame Varens, although she seemed to be quite wealthy, nevertheless was very friendly. She told her that she had no personal use for the house, as her husband owned this place right in the city, so she had decided to rent it out. She laughed as when she said that the "To Let" sign had been so old and covered in dust, it could barely be read.

"But my dear, it was rented months ago," said Madame Varens. "How did you happen to learn of it?"

Christine explained that she was searching for someone, and that she had reason to believe that the person living in Mrs. Varens' house could be the same that person.

"Forgive me, but may I ask what contact you have had with this Monsieur --"

"His name was quite strange. I believe it was -- Ignotus. Yes, that was it Monsieur E. Ignotus."

"Did you meet this man?"

"Why, no. I did not meet him. The only contact I have had with him has been through letters. I know nothing of him, except that he pays the rent," she added with a smile. "I take it that he is a withdrawn gentleman, perhaps rather ascetic."

Withdrawn. Ascetic. Recluse.

Christine tried to being herself back to reality. "Thank you so much Madame."

"Do you think it is your friend?"

"I think -- yes, it may be. Would you be so kind as to give me the address, Madame?"

"Of course. Let me go write it down for you." She left the room for a moment, then returned with a slip of paper. Christine took it and thanked her again.

"God go with you," were the lady's parting words.

She took a cab back to the inn. It was not far, and she was soon in the room that had grown quite cold in her absence. But she did not feel this. She felt nothing. She was in a state of semi-bewilderment. I have found him. I know where he is. But now… Sitting at the small desk that had inkwell, pen and paper available for use by the guests, she set the paper the address was written on in front of her and studied it. Who could she turn to for direction?

"-- Stay by my side, guide me --"

He ran, ran as though by sheer momentum he could leave the ghosts of the past behind. He raced to the front door of the house, throwing it open and running inside without closing it. Up the stairs, two flights up to the attic. There, he fell upon his bed.

He was plagued with thoughts of his love. It seemed that she was all around him, her voice echoing in his mind. He would never be free from this torment; it was his fate, and his doom.

Christine walked down the road, her eyes searching the area. She had chosen not to take a cab, for it was less than two miles away, and she preferred to walk. She had seen few houses, and none of them had been occupied. She began to think that she had taken a wrong turn when she saw the immense old house loom ahead. The grounds around it were unkempt, and the house itself, though in no obvious need of repair, was aged and uncared for. She hurried ahead, for night was progressing, and it was becoming still colder.

She passed the gate and continued up the walk to the front door, which was open. The place appeared so ominous, so uninhabited…Christine was just beginning to lose her nerve when suddenly she heard a clap of thunder, and lightning flashed in the sky. Then the rain began abruptly, becoming quite heavy in a matter of moments. She looked down the road she had come and knew that if she were to try to make her way in the dark, with it raining, and the air so cold, she would likely lose her was and become stranded. She would wait.

Closing the door, she walked to a room, going in and finding it empty; completely devoid of furnishings of any kind. She found several rooms this way, and she started to think that she must have the wrong address when she saw a light coming from a room, and she went toward it, her heart drumming so loud in her ear she hardly heard the rain outside. She approached and cautiously looked inside.

There was nobody in the room, but there was a fire in the fireplace. Being terribly cold she went to it to warm herself; then she looked around more closely. This room appeared somewhat lived in, and had a little furniture, consisting of a single chair, a desk, and a chest of drawers. Christine felt a chill start in her spine. She felt as though she had invaded the abode of a ghost. She turned around and went to leave, giving way to her trepidation, when she found herself face to face with the Phantom.