"It's worse than ever! ...

I shouted, 'It's a serious matter! Open the door! It's I, Mercier.' I heard footsteps.

The door opened and Moncharmin appeared.

He was very pale.

He said, 'What do you want ?' I answered, 'Some one has run away with Christine Daae.' What do you think he said?
'And a good job, too!' And he shut the door, after putting this in my hand." Mercier opened his hand; Remy and Gabriel looked.
"The safety-pin!" cried Remy.
"Strange! Strange!" muttered Gabriel, who could not help shivering.
Suddenly a voice made them all three turn round.
"I beg your pardon, gentlemen.