2 A surprising voice

Chapter 2 A surprising voice The audience waited eagerly in their red velvet seats. They gazed up at the huge glass chandelier, suspended from the painted ceiling. Slowly, the lights dimmed...

The curtains went up and the cast swarmed onto the vast stage. Their voices filled the air like a chorus of angels and their bright costumes glittered as they danced.

When Christine walked on, the stage became dark and silent. A single light shone on her. She opened her mouth and sang from her heart. It was the sweetest, most beautiful sound.

When she finished, there was silence for a moment, before loud applause erupted. The noise rang dizzily in Christine's ears and she fainted. The audience watched in silence, as Christine's limp body was picked up and carried offstage.

She was placed in a chair in her dressing room. Madame G thrust smelling salts under her nose and she blinked open her eyes. What happened? "My dear, you were magnificent!" said Madame G, fanning her with a handkerchief. "And you have a visitor. He's a Count!" she whispered excitedly, before rushing out.

A handsome young man came into the room. "Mademoiselle," he said, tipping his hat. "Count, do excuse me," Christine said, trying to stand up. "No, please rest," said the Count. "You had quite a turn."