Meanwhile, Christine Daaé 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 little boy 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.”