He had only time to hide in the inner room, which was separated from the dressing-room by a curtain.
Christine entered, took off her mask with a weary movement and flung it on the table.

She sighed and let her pretty head fall into her two hands.

What was she thinking of?
Of Raoul?
No, for Raoul heard her murmur: "Poor Erik!" At first, he thought he must be mistaken.

To begin with, he was persuaded that, if any one was to be pitied, it was he, Raoul.

It would have been quite natural if she had said, "Poor Raoul," after what had happened between them.