BACKSTAGE

(BUQUET mysteriously appears, a length of fabric

serving as a cloak, and a piece of rope as the Punjab

lasso. He is showing off to the BALLET GIRLS)

BUQUET

Like yellow parchment

is his skin . . .

a great black hole served as the

nose that never grew . . .

(Demonstrating his method of self-defence against the

Punjab lasso, he inserts his hand between his neck and

the noose, and then pulls the rope taut. With a mixture of

horror and delight, the BALLET GIRLS applaud this

demonstration)

(explaining to them)

You must be always

on your guard,

or he will catch you with his

magical lasso!

(A trap opens up centre stage casting a shadow of the

PHANTOM as he emerges. The GIRLS, linking hands,

run off terrified. The PHANTOM, leading CHRISTINE,

fixes his stare on BUQUET. Sweeping his cape around

CHRISTINE, he exits with her But before they go GIRY

has entered, observing. She turns on BUQUET)

GIRY

Those who speak

of what they know

find, too late, that prudent

silence is wise.

Joseph Buquet,

hold your tongue

he will burn you with the

heat of his eyes . .