It was indeed that of a man whom she could not see, as he was hidden by the willows.

As he did not move, she was able to look for a long time at his shadow.
From that moment Angelique had a secret.

Her bare, whitewashed chamber was filled with it.

She remained there for hours lying on her great bed--where she seemed lost, she was so little--her eyes closed, but not asleep, and seeing continually before her, in her waking dreams, this motionless shadow upon the earth.

When she re-opened her eyes at dawn, her looks wandered from the enormous wardrobe to the odd carved chest, from the porcelain stove to the little toilet-table, as if surprised at not seeing there the mysterious silhouette, which she could have so easily and precisely traced from memory.