The perfomance
April 1865
The following month's occurrences was beyond anything Annabel could have expected to happen to her at the Opera Populair. Never in her dreams would she have thought this would happen. After her encounter with the Mysterious da Vinci whom she now knew as Quade, she came to the conclusion that he was an astounding teacher. The production of Faust was to be staged once more, in which Annabel received extensive training.
Quade expected of her to practice every night since their last encounter. This resulted in her absence from the Corps de Ballet.
It was known, however, that Annabel was to play Margarita and that she was appointed the new Prima Donna. So nobody questioned her absence. Meg Giry's curiosity got the better of her and she overwhelmed Annabel with questions whenever she got the chance. One evening in particular she approached Annabel with urgency, "Oh Annabel, have mercy! Please do tell, who is your great tutor?"