章 76: Chapter 76: At the Breaking of Dawn, Part 1

San Francisco, April 18, 1906

The sun had just started coming up in front of them as Cathy, and Paul Cornell walked against the crowd who were fleeing the downtown area. Hot ashes burned their eyes as they got closer. Everywhere was glass being crunched underfoot.

Paul realized that their destination of the Palace Hotel was where his idol, Enrico Caruso was staying while in San Francisco. He hoped the singer was all right but felt sad that his dream of getting a part in Carmen had violently been shaken away. He squeezed Cathy's hand for comfort.

They could see the spiraling smoke up ahead as they spurred themselves on.

Paul suddenly stopped. "Cathy, I want to apologize for my ungentlemanly behavior back there. I want you to know that I had never before been so familiar with a lady whom I had just met. Please forgive me."