"Wake up!"
"Wake up, please!"
I feel someone shaking me. My first reaction is to reach out and slap the person. My palm connects with a meaty whack! Oh no, whom did I hit? I open my sore and groggy eyes. It is Anne Tolet, Papillion's daughter.
I do not have my mask on! Mon dieu! Is she not frightened? "Are you not frightened? Does not my horrible visage make you faint of heart?" I ask of her.
"Non, master. You are no monster, especially not just because of your unfortunate looks," she answers.
"Why did you come in here?"
"I heard a scream," Anne concedes. "I did not know if you were in trouble. When I came inside, I saw you tossing and turning upon your bed. You were having a nightmare, a terribly bad dream."
"Is that why you braved entering my room when I was asleep knowing full well of my wrath? Especially when I do not have my mask?" My voice rises in pitch and force. "Or did you just want to see for yourself? Did you? Are you satisfied now that you've seen the horror of my accursed face?"
"No," she answers rather meekly. "I did not come to gape at you. I have told you the truth. Besides it is not like I did not already know. Mama told me already about what you look like. She told me, in fact, a long time ago. But I just came to help out today, so I did not know. I'm sorry…"
"You are forgiven. You did not know. Now go. I have work to do."