An encounter with the Viscount
I was sitting on the edge of the stage, distractedly glancing at an old newspaper. The theater was all dark exept for a few small chandeliers toward the auditorium's main entrance. Looking that way, it seemed like a sea of red velvet in front of me, the gold of the balconies outlining it.
I had been daydreaming for hours, not paying attention to what was going on around me. I would think that now I could understand what Christine felt about her angel! Having a little secret, having someone we care for, that was a childish pleasure I was at last enjoying. I couldn't wait for her to come back to Paris, to confide in her some of my experiences. She probably wouldn't believe me, and would look at me as cynically as I had looked at her in the past. And just like her, I wouldn't mind, because I knew I was right, and I knew the special thing I had, just for myself. I felt silly, and all I could do was laugh at this foolishness, joyfully.
I would recall his words over and over, and after a few days I had memorized perfectly every single word, gesture, and change of his voice.
I wouldn't know how to explain the effect he'd had on me. I couldn't think of one thing about him that didn't impress me! I believe I was truly infatuated with him because I blinded myself to all the strange evidences surrounding him. Although this feeling changed afterwards, I'm glad it existed, for it was this overwhelming magic aura which made me follow what I considered to be right at the time.
It took me a while to notice him standing in front of me that afternoon. He was calling my name, with a weary smile under his light mustache, his blond hair unwaved, as if his hands had been going through it trying to easy some anguish.
I was deadly curious to know what the Viscount the Chagny wanted from me! He didn't introduce himself in his haste, and I supposed he knew exactly who I was, too.
"Mademoiselle Giry, I have something important to discuss with you. Is it possible that we can talk with...some privacy? "
I nodded, smiling at the shy Viscount, and took him to a quieter place inside the empty dance lounge, in the back of the stage. We sat on a crimson velvet sofa, watching the few ballerinas exercising in front of the enormous mirror.
After struggling with a flow of words that seemed to want to come out of his mouth, he began to tell me, slowly, that he was a great admirer of Christine Daae.
I said I was, too, leaving him with the lead of the conversation again. I was so excited that he would actually care for Christine! I knew how radiant she would be...
Again he looked for the right words. "Mademoiselle, I trust you two are good friends, so I ask if you could intercede for my sake. I've been trying to talk with Christine for quite a while...at least it is taking longer than I expected... and she refuses to receive me. I give you my word, I have the best intentions toward her!"
"I don't doubt that, Monsieur," I said sympathetically.
He smiled with some relief. "Well...so I guess...that's what I needed to say..." he looked around, as if trying to remember what he actually had said, "tell Christine I still remember our dear friendship and would very much like to see her...if possible."
The Viscount was a good looking boy, but what was appealing in him was the innocence he had in his look, his gentle and almost feminine manners, his childish way of acting under that cover of nobility and wealth.
He kissed my hand, and was walking away when I called, "Raoul!" He turned around at once, his eyes eager for any information about my friend. He didn't seem to mind my intimacy.
"Christine told me she was preparing to leave for a few days, to a small village in the country." I tried to sound as friendly as I could. "I believe that could have kept her busy lately. I'm sure she will look for you soon."
He gave me a broad smile, so naive and helpless that I felt like hugging him, consoling his fears. If only he knew how much Christine cared for him!
"Thank you, mademoiselle Giry! Thank you very much!" he said enthusiastically.
He walked away, leaving me with my newspaper, my thoughts, and a grin on my face.