Phantom Thoughts pt 6

[zellephantom]

{"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."}

This just never ceases to amuse me. The SUDDEN ALL CAPS. Raoul being so #dramatic. Christine's reaction is basically '???'

{Christine again looked at the doctor and the maid; and all three began to laugh. Raoul turned very red and stood up.}

Poor dramatic bby Raoul. But in all fairness, that was basically my reaction to his declaration as well. In my opinion, Christine and Raoul's reintroduction is one of the few things that ALW does better than Leroux. Also, Little Lotte is a massively underrated song. (Maybe because the iconic title song follows right after?)

That reminds me- I should really write a meta on the significance of the uses of the lyric "the Angel of Music sings songs in my head" in the ALW musical.

{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.}

Now I want to know who Christine's maid is. What's her name? Does she know about the Angel of Music? Is laughter how she deals with Christine's at times peculiar nature? Is she at all superstitious? Is she Christine's maid at the Opera House, or is she employed by Mama Valerius to keep an eye on Christine? What does she think of Raoul later, after such an unusual first meeting?

{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?}

Raoul, honey, I know you're in the grips of baby's first crush, but the maid *just said* that Christine wished to be left alone. Not 'alone except for you'. ALONE. She'll send for you if or when she wants to talk. (Of course, I already know how this goes and that he doesn't listen to my advice, so we'll just watch what happens- Newsies reference entirely intentional.)

Comments

[out_there]

Also, Little Lotte is a massively underrated song. (Maybe because the iconic title song follows right after?)

Probably. It's quieter and a lot less flashy, but it's one of my favourites. It really sets the tone for believing Raoul's and Christine's shared childhoods.

[zellephantom]

Exactly! (And from the hints we get from the musical but mostly Leroux, I would love to read at least a million stories of various fluffy childhood adventures involving the two of them. Their favorite fairytales, Raoul's violin lessons, and so on!)

[igenlode]

Now I want to know who Christine's maid is. What's her name? Does she know about the Angel of Music? Is laughter how she deals with Christine's at times peculiar nature? Is she at all superstitious? Is she Christine's maid at the Opera House, or is she employed by Mama Valerius to keep an eye on Christine? What does she think of Raoul later, after such an unusual first meeting?

The next time they meet (in another sentence mysteriously cut by de Mattos) she laughs at Raoul's predicament -- or at least his self-consciousness convinces him that she is about to :-(

En traversant le salon, Raoul se retrouva en face de la soubrette et, un instant, il eut l’intention de l’interroger, mais il crut surprendre sur ses lèvres un léger sourire. Il pensa qu’elle se moquait de lui. Il s’enfuit.

"As he was crossing the salon [on his way out from his visit to Madame Valerius], Raoul found himself face to face with the maid, and for a moment intended to question her. But he thought he detected the hint of a smile on her lips. Believing that she was laughing at him, he fled."