Phantom's Box 5 Disturbance: Opera Investigation

Two Days Later: Employee Report Details Strange Events

Two days later, the filmmaker was at his desk reviewing an employee's report describing the strange events of the previous day. The number of viewers in Box 5 had greatly disturbed and worried the public with their laughter and conversation. The employee wrote that he had to call a policeman to clear the box twice: once at the beginning and again in the middle of the second act.

Directors Launch Investigation

Gentlemen Moncharmin and Richard decided to conduct their own investigation, questioning the employees present.

Richard Questions the Employee

Sir Richard asked: "What was your last experience in Box 5?"

The employee replied:

• "The occupants of Box 5 behaved very badly when they arrived early in the second act."
• "They entered the box, and soon emerged after a voice said: 'There are some here; this box is occupied.'"
• "The interior seemed better, as if no one was there."
• "Then they came back and started talking and laughing."

Moncharmin Inquires About the 'Wizard'

Mr. Moncharmin requested: "You clearly spoke to the 'wizard.' What did he say?"

The clerk smiled.

"She said it was the ghost."

Sir Richard commanded: "Go away for the revelation! The orders of Sir Richard. The ghost story begins to seriously irritate me!"

Madame Giry's Arrival

A few minutes later, the employee entered Sir Richard's office, accompanied by Madame Giry, Meg's mother.

"You were right to call me, gentlemen," she said with a friendly smile. "I can tell you all about the ghost."

Sir Richard, visibly annoyed, stated: "The ghost does not interest us! Tell us instead what happened yesterday in Box 5."

"It's the ghost," she said calmly, "he was very angry, and you..."

Mr. Moncharmin interrupted her opening statement.

The Assistant's Conversation

Moncharmin asked, smiling: "At one time, you spoke with the ghost?"

"Of course, sir!" replied the assistant.

"And when you speak, what does he ask for?"

"He asked me to bring a small fan."

Directors' Reaction

The directors began to laugh.

Richard asked ironically: "But then the ghost is a woman?"

"No, he is a man! And he has a beautiful voice, very sweet. He usually appears midway through the first act. He always leaves a tip on the small table in the box. He is really quite nice."

Conclusion of the Meeting

After this meeting, the directors decided to dismiss Madame Giry, whom they obviously considered crazy, and to pay a little more attention to what was happening in Box 5...