The Demon of The Opera

Chapter 4

(FYI! This chapter is long and the dialogue is pretty complicated! If you haven't seen this part of the movie, I wouldn't read this part!)

Randall stormed into the empty lobby of the opera house. "'Mystery after gala night.'"It says, 'Mystery of soprano's flight! Mystified all the papers say,' we are mystified- we suspect foul play!" He quickly walked up the stairs, stopping for a moment to talk to a maid. "Bad news on soprano scene - First Carlotta, now Christine!
Still, at least the seats get sold! Gossip's worth its weight in gold..." he turned away and continued u the stairs.

"What a way to run a business! Spare me these unending trials! Half your cast disappears, but the crowd still cheers! Opera!
To hell with Gluck and Handel. Have a scandal and you're sure to have a hint!"

"Damnable!" Aberline exclaimed stepping in stride with Randall.

"Will they all walk out?"

"This is damnable!"

"Aberline, please don't shout..."

"It's publicity!"

"And the take is vast!"

"Free publicity!"

"But we have no cast..."

"Aberline have you seen the queue?"

"Oh, it seems you've got one too."

"'Dear Aberline, what a charming gala! Christine was in the world's sublime! We were hardly bereft when Carlotta left -
On that note the diva is a disaster, must you cast her when she's seasons past her prime!'" Aberline read his letter aloud.

"'Dear Randall, just a brief reminder:
my salary has not been paid. Send it care of the ghost, by return of post
P.T.O.:
No-one likes a debtor, so it's better if my orders are obeyed!'" Randall read his aloud as well. Then the two business partners spoke in sync.

"Who would have the gall to send this? Someone with a puerile brain! These are both signed "O.G."... Who the hell is he? Opera ghost!" The men returned to trading off sentences.

"It's nothing short of shocking!"

"He's mucking our position!"

"In addition he wants money"

"What a funny aberration to expect a large retainer!"

"Nothing plainer -he is clearly quite insane!"

Ciel stormed in, gripping the letter tightly in his hand. "Where is she?!" He demanded.

"You mean Grell?"

"I mean Miss Daae -where is she?"

"Well, how should we know?"

"I want an answer - I take it that you sent me this note!"

"What's all this nonsense?"

"Of course not!"

"Don't look at us!"

"She's not with you, then?"

"Of course not!"

"We're in the dark..."

"Monsieur, don't argue- Isn't this the letter you wrote?"

"And what is it, that we're meant to have wrote? Written!"

"'Do not fear for Miss Daae. The Angel of Music has her under his wing. Make no attempt to see her again.'"

"If you didn't write it, who did?"

"Where is he?" It was Grell's turn to storm in.

"Ah, welcome back!"

"Your precious patron - where is he?"

"What is it now?"

"I have your letter - a letter which I rather resent!"

"And did you send it?"

"Of course not!"

"As if he would!"

"You didn't send it?"

"Of course not!"

"What's going on?"

"You dare to tell me, that this is not the letter you sent?!"

"And what is it that I'm meant to have sent?"

"'Your days at the Opera Populaire are numbered. Christine Daae will be singing on your behalf tonight. Be prepared for a great misfortune, should you attempt to take her place.'"

"Far too many notes for my taste -
and most of them about (Y/N)!"

"All we've heard since we came is Miss Daae's name..."

Madame Red walked in with Lizzy at her heels.
"Miss Daae has returned." She announced, making everyone turn and look at her.

"I hope no words for as far as we're concerned."

"Where precisely is she now?"

"I thought it best that she was alone..."

"She needed rest."

"May I see her?"

"No, monsieur, she will see no-one."

"Will she sing?"

"Here, I have a note..."

"Let me see it!"

"Please!"

"'Gentlemen, I have now sent you several notes of the most amiable nature, detailing how my theatre is to be run. You have not followed my instructions. I shall give you one last chance...'"

"(Y/N) Daae has returned to you, and I am anxious her career should progress. In the new production of "Il Muto", you will therefore cast Grell as the Pageboy, and put Miss Daae in the role of Countess. The role which Miss Daae plays calls for charm and appeal.
The role of the Pageboy is silent - which makes my casting, in a word, ideal. I shall watch the performance from my normal seat in Box Five, which will be kept empty for me.
Should these commands be ignored, a disaster
beyond your imagination will occur."

"'I remain, Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, O.G.'"

"(Y/N)!"

"It's all a ploy to help (Y/N)!"

"Whatever next...?"

"It's all about a ploy to help (Y/N)!"

"This is insane..."

"I know who sent this: The Earl - her lover!"

"Indeed? Can you believe this?"

"Signora!"

"O traditori! This is a joke!"

"This changes nothing!"

"O mentitori!"

"Signora!"

"You are our star!"

"And always will be!"

"Signora..."

"The man is mad!"

"We don't take orders!"

"Miss Daae will be playing the Pageboy - the silent role...
Grell will be playing the lead!"