I changed quickly in the crowded dressing room, and then headed for the stage. Mme Noelle was waiting. I peered past her, into the darkened theater. Where were my friends? I couldn't see - or hear them - anywhere. Good. If I couldn't see them, nobody else could, either.

    "Are we ready to donce today?" asked Mme Noelle, looking at me curiously. She must have been wondering what I was looking for.

    "Ready, Madame," I answered. And I was. So far, the rehearsal looked like it was going to go smoothly. None of my clothes had disappeared, no notes had been shoved into my bag. Today I was going to concentrate on my dancing.

    At first, it was hard to forget that my friends were sitting out there in the dark, watching my every move. But before long, I did forget. I "got caught up in the beautiful - and difficult - movements of the ballet, and I forgot everything. My ankle was completely healed. It felt as strong as ever.

    It was a great rehearsal. I danced well, and so did everyone else. We went through pretty much the whole ballet, with plenty of stops and starts and corrections from Mme Noelle.

    "Watch zee shoulder, Mademoiselle Romsey," she called as I danced. "It is still dropping during your glissade." I concentrated even harder, paying attention to nothing but my muscles and my form. I didn't come close to stumbling or falling, and neither did anyone else.

    "Very good!" said Mme Noelle when we were finished. "All of you are doncing wiz incredible grace today. Zee performance will be a success!" She clapped her hands and sent us to the dressing room. While I was changing into my street clothes I thought about the rehearsal. I hoped it hadn't been a total waste for my friends. After all, nothing had happened. I have to admit that I had secretly been hoping that something would happen - just so they could see it firsthand.

    But that day's rehearsal had been completely normal. And there was nothing suspicious in the dressing room, either. No notes, no stolen belongings. Dawn sneaked into the dressing room after a bunch of people had gone. She wanted to "investigate" - but there was nothing new for me to show her. Had the mystery been in my mind all along? Maybe I was just imagining things. Maybe I was going crazy.