meanwhile, christine daae uttered a deep sigh, which was answered by a groan.she turned her head, saw raoul and started.she looked at the doctor, on whom she bestowed a smile, then at her maid, then at raoul again.
"monsieur," she said, in a voice not much above a whisper, "who are you?""mademoiselle," replied the young man, kneeling on one knee and pressing a fervent kiss on the diva's hand, "i am the littleboy who went into the sea to rescue your scarf."christine again looked at the doctor and the maid; and all three began to laugh.
raoul turned very red and stood up.
"mademoiselle," he said, "since you are pleased not to recognize me, i should like to say something to you in private, something very important.""when i am better, do you mind?" and her voice shook."you have been very good.""yes, you must go," said the doctor, with his pleasantest smile.
"leave me to attend to mademoiselle."
"i am not ill now," said christine suddenly, with strange and unexpected energy.
she rose and passed her hand over her eyelids.
"thank you, doctor.i should like to be alone.please go away, all of you.leave me.i feel very restless this evening."the doctor tried to make a short protest, but, perceiving the girl's evident agitation, he thought the best remedy was not to thwart her.
and he went away, saying to raoul, outside:
"she is not herself to-night.she is usually so gentle."then he said good night and raoul was left alone.the whole of this part of the theater was now deserted.the farewell ceremony was no doubt taking place in the foyer of the ballet.raoul thought that daae might go to it and he waited in the silent solitude, even hiding in the favoring shadow of a doorway.he felt a terrible pain at his heart and it was of this that he wanted to speak to daae without delay.
suddenly the dressing-room door opened and the maid came out by herself, carrying bundles.he stopped her and asked how her mistress was.
the woman laughed and said that she was quite well, but that he must not disturb her, for she wished to be left alone.and she passed on.one idea alone filled raoul's burning brain: of course, daae wished to be left alone for him! had he not told her that he wanted to speak to her privately?