The weather got a little milder; that is to say, the snow gradually melted away, and the children were allowed to go out into the garden and visit their pets.

Nibble seemed quite at home in his new quarters, and was now permitted to run about the chicken-house at his own sweet will; and Jeanne greatly commended Houpet for his kindness to the little stranger, which commendation the chicken received in very good part, particularly when it took the shape of all the tit-bits left on the children's plates.
"See how tame he is," said Jeanne one day when she had persuaded the little cock to peck some crumbs out of her hand; "isn't he a darling, Cheri, with his _dear_ little tuft of feathers on the top of his head ?" "He's awfully funny-looking," said Hugh, consideringly; "do you really think he's very pretty, Jeanne ?" "Of course I do," said Jeanne, indignantly; "all my pets are pretty, but Houpet's the prettiest of all." "He's prettier than Grignan, certainly," said Hugh, giving an amiable little push to the tortoise, who happened to be lying at his feet; "but I like Grignan, he's so comical." "I think Grignan must know a great deal," said Jeanne, "he's so solemn." "So is Dudu," said Hugh.

"By the by, Jeanne," he went on, but stopped suddenly.
"What ?" said Jeanne.
"It just came into my head while we were talking that I must have dreamt of Dudu again last night; but now I try to remember it, it has all gone out of my head." "_What_ a pity," said Jeanne; "do try to remember.

Was it that he came and stood at the foot of the bed again, like the last time?
You promised to call me if he did." "No, I don't think he did.

I have more a sort of feeling that he and the peacocks on the wall were whispering to each other--something about us--you and me, Jeanne--it was, I think." "Perhaps they were going to give a party, and were planning about inviting us," suggested Jeanne.
"I don't know," said Hugh; "it's no good my trying to think.