It's been awhile since our special opera correspondent, A Slice of Pagliacci Pizza, got any mail. But today's its lucky day:

From: Filippi
Date: August 13, 2009 6:41:42 AM PDT
To: asliceofpagliaccipizza@thestranger.com
Subject: pax

Shining countenance. "A gentleman and his little boy, to see Mr. ----! I have shown them into the parlor." Salmon was amazed. Could it be true? A pupil at last! He gave a hurried glance at himself In the mirror, straightened his shirt-collar, gave his hair a touch, and descended, with beating heart, to meet his visitor. He was dignified enough, however, on entering the parlor, and so cool you would never have suspected that he almost felt his fate depending upon this gentleman's business. He was a Frenchman,—polite, affable, and of a manner so gracious, you would have said he had come to beg a favor, rather than to grant one. "This is Mr. ----? My name is Bonfils. This is my little boy. We have come to entreat of you the kindness to take him into your school." "I will do so most gladly!" said Salmon, shaking the boy's hand. "You are very good. We shall be greatly indebted to you. When does your school commence?" "As soon, Sir, as I shall have engaged a sufficient number of pupils." "You have not a great number, then?" "I have none," Salmon was obliged to confess. "None? You surprise me! I have seen your advertisement, I hear good things said of you,—why,

A Slice of Pagliacci Pizza doesn't know what to make of the letter, but is grateful for any correspondence. It could not afford tickets to see Der Ring, but Christopher DeLaurenti is holding it down over at The Score.