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. Indeed! Erik! Kaveh shookhis head slowly, in wonder and grudging admi-ration. Well, I m not, Erik said pragmatically. Not if I want to get my organ.And really, theydon t need to know that I was present because Iwas the opera ghost! But you did tell them that the opera ghosthad died, Kaveh pointed out.Erik spread his hands out in a look-at-megesture. Have you seen me haunting any op-eras since that night? And don t forget, there isa gravestone.There s even a coffin. An empty coffin, and an empty grave! Kaveh expostulated. Well, of course they re empty.You didn tlet me die. Kaveh was about to give him a heated retort,~ 266 ~ - Letters to Erik -when the door opened and the two managersemerged. M.de Chagny, M.Tallis! Richardsaid. My partner and I have discussed the mat-ter, and we are quite willing to accommodateyour request.When would you like the organremoved? As soon as possible, as it must be fully in-stalled in Rouen by Friday morning. Eriklooked bored and fiddled with the ties of hiscloak.The managers exchanged glances. Shall wesee it done today, then, messieurs? Mon-charmin suggested. Richard and I would behappy to provide a team of workmen to carry itout for you. Yes, please; I would appreciate that, Erikdecided. I shall arrange a conveyance for it toRouen. The managers, between them, were able todrum up six burly men to accompany Erik andKaveh into the cellars.Erik did not falter; he ledthem unerringly down to the edge of the lake. God in heaven, how do you know your wayso well, monsieur? the leader asked, thor-oughly confused and lost in the labyrinth oftunnels and stairways Erik led them through.Erik exchanged amused glances with Kaveh,~ 267 ~ - An Wallace -who carried a lantern. I have been here a fewtimes before, he said dryly.Kaveh coughed a little, to hide his chuckle. Might want to be careful about that cough, Erik teased in a low voice. Unhealthy airdown here, I ve heard. Kaveh s sarcastic rejoinder was swift. Youwould know better than anyone. He smirked atErik s glare, the yellow eyes reflecting the lan-tern light like a cat s.By nightfall the organ was on its way to Fa-ther Arnaud s church in Rouen. You want to go with it, don t you, andmake sure it s set up properly? Kaveh askedErik, seeing the man s longing glance as hewatched the hired wagon rumble away. Of course I do.In fact I may yet.Arnaudsaid he would visit my house and set things torights up there I ve already written to myhouse steward but I would like to go up inperson and make sure things are perfect forChristine. He cast a sideways glance at Kaveh. Would you like to go with me? Most assuredly! Kaveh beamed. Wouldn t miss the chance to see your child-hood home. Erik grimaced. Yes, that seat of all happi-~ 268 ~ - Letters to Erik -ness, he said sarcastically. Very well.I willlet Christine know tonight, then, and we willleave tomorrow. When Erik and Kaveh arrived in Rouen,they hired a cab to take them directly to thechurch where Erik had met Father Arnaud.Thepriest was surprised, but welcomed them.Erikintroduced his foreign companion as the realKaveh Tallis, former Daroga of Mazenderan. A pleasure to make your acquaintance,monsieur, Kaveh told him with a bow.Arnaud grinned broadly, keeping a tight reinof control on himself so he wouldn t burst intolaughter.Erik s impersonation of him had beenflawless. And yours, monsieur.In some ways, I feelas if I already know you, he said, biting his lipto keep his composure.Kaveh exhaled sharply through his nose,darting a quick glare at Erik. Yes, I am toldthat you have, at least, been introduced to mebefore.Or someone who sounded like me, atany rate. True, true, replied the priest with a broadgrin. So, what are your plans now that you vearrived, my boy? he asked Erik. Going rightout to the estate, are you? ~ 269 ~ - An Wallace -Erik nodded. I d like to inspect my organfirst, of course. Certainly, certainly.Mind if I go alongwith you to the house, though? Make surethey re doing what I told them you wanteddone? Not at all, Erik replied, already distractedby the sight of his organ.He went over and ranhis fingers over the keys with longing.He slidonto the bench and began to play.Father Arnaud s jaw dropped as he listened. I had no idea.! his voice trailed off and heshook his head. Yes, he s very good, Kaveh admitted. But then again, living below an opera house,he should be. Arnaud chuckled and went closer. Has itbeen installed to your satisfaction, then, myboy? he asked Erik.Erik nodded and went on playing till he dfinished the piece.He slid off the bench a littleregretfully, and caressed the side of the organ. You promise I ll be able to come and playwhenever I wish when there is no mass? Arnaud nodded. You have my word, son,and my gratitude.It s a fine instrument. Erik lifted his chin. Of course it is! He~ 270 ~ - Letters to Erik -sounded affronted at the suggestion that hewould have owned a lesser-quality organ.Kaveh cleared his throat. Erik, we shouldbe going
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