As I made my way closer to the inn, I heard a humming noise coming from behind. I couldn't tell who it was, but it was clearly singing. I walked closer and the words became less muffled, but I could still only hear bits and pieces.
"...castle on a cloud... in my sleep, aren't any floors... on a cloud..."
I crinkled my forehead in confusion and walked closer. From what I could hear, the individual was actually quite impressive.
"There is a lady all in white, holds me and sings a lullaby." As the singing persisted, I moved to the corner of the house, not daring to look at who was singing, in case they were looking this was and the beautiful melody ceased.
"She's nice to see and she's soft to touch. She says 'Cosette, I love you very much.'"
I gaped at this. Surely the alluring tune was not sung by the grotesque girl we were housing in our inn! I risked it; I peeked around the corner, and there she was. The Lark. She stood there, her broom cast to the side, caressing a doll made of rags.
No! Surely this cannot be! It is some trick, I thought.
Just as I turned to leave, mother stormed outside. "Now look who's here-the little Madame herself!"
At this, the wretch spun around, and the doll dropped limply to the ground.
"You better not let me catch you slacking!" Mother shouted.
"Madame, I-I was not slacking... M-my arms just got a bit t-tired," she said, trying to explain herself.
"Of course they did, Colette!" I say sarcastically, stepping out from concealment.
"Éponine, come my dear! You look very well in that little blue hat! There's some little girls and they know what to wear and how to behave, and I'm saying thank heaven for that," mother told me.
I giggled and thanked her, shooting an icy cold glare at the Lark.
"Still there, Cosette?!" Mother screamed, turning her gaze to the girl.
"I-I was just about t-to get started again..." She said, her eyes tearing up.
"Your tears will do you no good," mother reminded her.
"S-sorry, Madame..." she said meekly.
"Go and fetch some water for the wood!" Mother commanded.
"Please do not send me out alone... Not in the darkne-" The girl was cut off by mother's screaming.
"NOW!"
The young girl scurried off, picking up her bucket on the way.