When we reached our hall, Nee offered to share hot chocolate with me. Shaking my head, I pleaded tiredness--true enough--and retreated to my rooms. And discovered something lying on the little table in the parlor where letters and invitations were supposed to be put. Moving slowly across the room, I looked down at an exquisite porcelain sphere. It was dark blue, with silver stars all over it, and so cunningly painted that when I looked closer it gave the illusion of depth--as if I stared deeply into the sky. Lifting it with reverent care, I opened it and saw, sitting on a white silk nest, a lovely sapphire ring. Trying it on my fingers, I found to my delight it fit my longest one. Why couldn't Bran give me this in person? There were times when I found my brother incomprehensible, but I knew he thought the same of me. Puzzled, but content, I fell asleep with my ringed hand cradled against my cheek.