In her sleep she had seen it gliding among the pale heather-blossoms on her curtains.

In her dreams, as in her waking hours, her mind was filled with it.

It was a companion shadow to her own.

She had thus a double being, although she was alone with her fancies.
This secret she confided to no one, not even to Hubertine, to whom, until now, she had always told even her thoughts.

When the latter, surprised at her gaiety, questioned her, she blushed deeply as she replied that the early spring had made her very happy.