I know this is a short chapter. But I hope to put another up tomorrow.
When the morning had come, Erik was gone, but there was a scrawled note fastened to the fence.
Eponine woke a bit later since she couldn't see the sun, but woke early anyhow. She noticed Erik was gone and found the note. How did he find things to write with? she asked herself, but shook her head and picked it off the fencing, coming out from behind it.
—Eponine,
Just finding something to eat. Be back soon.
Sincerely,
Eponine's Angel
Eponine sighed and put it back on the mattress. She didn't want to stay in here any longer, but apparently it couldn't be helped.
At last Erik returned, preceded by the scent of fresh beef.
Eponine looked up at his figure, though she couldn't make out what he looked like, since it was still pitch dark in the elephant. She sniffed and tried not to drool.
Erik handed it up to her. "Here, have as much as you like. I already had a portion."
She took it and held it in her mouth while she started to climb out of the elephant.
He watched anxiously. "Is it good enough?"
She looked in his direction, wide-eyed, and slipped through the gate separating the elephant from the street. "What are you talking about? I haven't had meat as long as I can remember."
"Oh..." Erik sighed. "Well, now you can have it as often as you want. Just as often!"
"How did you pay for this?" she asked, amazed, going into a side-street that was deserted.
"Oh, well..." Erik looked down at his feet. "I didn't, really..."
Eponine laughed. "You must be practiced. They guard it."
"I have to be good at not being seen." He watched as she ate, waiting for her to finish.
Eponine scarfed it down hungrily, licking her fingers afterward, completely disregarding unnecessary manners. "Thanks," she said to him. She struggled to remember his name—she'd been tired when she'd been told and it was very quiet. Erik, she remembered suddenly, nodding.
Erik smiled for a moment, though it was quickly gone, and never visible. "Now, I suppose it would be wise to have a livelihood while we investigate Marius and Cosette... stealing food will only go so far, though it may be necessary for awhile."
"Well, I...don't know if I can get a job," Eponine said. "And you don't show yourself." She shook her head. "I could always...beg. Father used to write letters and have us deliver them to the rich...they would give us a few sous. Sometimes."
Erik grimaced. "There must be someone who'd hire you! I'm certain of it."
Eponine sighed. "To be honest, I don't know if I would be able to find a place. I've tried, trust me."
"Well, you may have tried." Erik swished his cape. "But I haven't."
Discussion Questions: What sort of job might they set about getting? How well do you think that would work out?