Due to financial difficulties, my trip to Italy was delayed for a while, but at the time I started learning more about the different members of the opera, whether they were the singers, dancers, production assistants or even rat catchers, they were all important to me.

However, if there was one person who had a special place in my heart, it was the chief violinist in the orchestra, Gustave Daae.

Gustave was well known for his skills back in Sweden and moved to France for a chance to be part of the Opera Populaire when it was established (10 years before my time there), the man was a genius and was a fast learner. In fact, Monsieur Reyer told me that he had once learned an entire opera in one afternoon, because he had some free time.

If that wasn't enough, Daae was also one of the kindest people in the company. Even though he wasn't the wealthiest, he always took care of everyone in need and always listened and offered guidance to anyone who asked.

Gustave was one of the first people I invited to my office for a meeting. It was a Monday morning, around 10 AM, and I was sitting in the office waiting to meet the famous musician.

Gustave came in a couple minutes later and with him was a little girl playing with a doll.

"Monsieur Lefevre, I'm sorry to keep you waiting, the governess wasn't feeling well so I had to bring Christine with me" the little girl, Christine, turned to Gustave when she heard her name.

"Christine? Is she your daughter?" I asked when I realized how foolish it was. "Why, yes. I couldn't leave her at home alone for the whole day and Madame Giry told me she would help me take care of her today, if it's not a problem sir?"

"Of course, it's always nice to see young people here, I'm sure she'll find something to do during the day"

"Thank you so much, I'm glad you're okay with this" Gustave said and then turned to his daughter "Alright Christine, I'm sure Madame Giry is here and Meg might be there as well"

Christine was energetic and sweet, and as soon as she got his approval she ran to play with her best friend, and Madame Giry's daughter, Meg.

"I've heard a lot about you" I told him "As a matter of fact I went to hear you play a few times last year" yes, I admit, I was a fan.

"Thank you, I'm excited to see what you'll do here" he said with a smile.

"You said the governess was ill, what about her mother?"

"My wife passed away a couple years ago" he said, his eyes were sad, it was definitely a sensitive subject for him.

"Well then, if there's ever a need Christine can come in and play around. Whenever it is possible, I would even take the time to help out myself" I said, and then asked "How old is Christine, by the way?"

"She's 10" he said with a smile as he went to rehearse.

Gustave was a nice man and Christine clearly wasn't just some kid, from that moment on, Christine spent a lot of time in the opera house. Most of the time she played with Meg backstage, but other times she would sit in the aisle and watch the rehearsals.

A couple years later, they both joined the ballet chorus in the opera house (She and Meg) and it was clear she was going to be a part of the company just like her father.