Almost as soon as she left there came a soft knock at the door.  "Who is it?' I sang in my sweetest little girl innocent voice.  A stunned silence issued from the other side.

"Come on in Erik, there's no one else it could be, and only a true gentleman knocks first anyway."

There was a rather musical click as he unlocked and opened the solid oak door.

          " I . . . I was just wondering if you were hungry.  You were out for hours and I was worried."

"I'm all right, I could go for some food though, what is there to eat, anything?"

"It's only about three in the morning, so I don't think there are any restaurants elegant enough open, but there is some bread and cheese.  What would you care for to drink, mademoiselle?"

" Port or burgundy would be nice, although I might want to change first," realizing belatedly that I was wearing a rather transparent nightgown with nothing else, and that was probably why, after opening the door Erik refused to look at me at all, preferring to politely turn his head away.

" And yes, it is okay if you leave because I think you need to catch your breath and let the blush subside from your face under that mask.  I can tell, your ears and neck are puce.  I promise I'll wear something less transparent."

" Thank you for that kind thought, mademoiselle."

" I'll only be a minute, and you don't have to lock the door this time."

It only took me a few minutes to put on some really pretty undergarments that fit like they were made for me, rather disconcerting seeing as I was never fitted or measured beforehand.  I also buttoned myself into a forest green embroidered gown that looked like it belonged to Morgan le Fay.  My hair I had already braided back partially, and it reached nearly to the small of my back.

As I looked through the room I found an inlaid jewelry box with pearl and silver butterflies adorning it.  As I opened it, my eyes welled with tears.  Sitting on the small top shelf was a little gold band tied with red ribbon to a folded note.  I untied it and placed the ring on my left ring finger, knowing completely what seeing it on my hand would mean to the giver.  Then I read the note.

My dear Christine,

          As you probably know, I cannot live without you.  When I found this lying on the roof this evening, after your rendezvous with le Vicomte, it broke my heart.  You took the ring saying that it would never part with your finger.

          I give it back to you now with the full knowledge of what went on with that boy.  Whether or not you wear it, my life depends on your answer.  I ask this in a note, for I cannot bear to do this again face to face.  By wearing this ring, you give your consent to stay here with me, until the end of my days, which is not far off.  If you do not wear it, you go with my blessing and keep it as a token of my undying love and affection for you, to remember what has happened here.

          I love you, Christine. I can't deny it.  Take the ring and make your choice.  I'll die without you.  Know that and make your decision.

                                      Love Always,

                                            Your Angel

                                                Erik

As I sat and read what he wrote, I couldn't help but sob.  This woman, to whom all he had ever shown was inarticulate love, had trounced his feelings, not only that; he had given her his beating heart and she had ripped it to shreds, mashing it into the dirt with Raoul's boots.  THIS woman, I will not call her a lady, had unwittingly left me to pick up the pieces of this poor broken soul.  I knew what I had been left, maybe even chosen to do.