(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...