It means that I was dead.

An ugly dream, my children, an ugly dream." "But only a dream, dear mother," said Rose: then with a sweet, consoling smile, "See, here is your terrace and your chateau." "And here are your daughters," said Josephine; and they both came and kissed her to put their existence out of doubt.

"And here is your Aesculapius," said Aubertin.

"And here is your Jacintha." "Breakfast, madame," said Jacintha.

"Breakfast, mesdemoiselles.
Breakfast, monsieur:" dropping each a distinct courtesy in turn.
"She has turned the conversation very agreeably," said the baroness, and went in leaning on her old friend.
But the sisters lagged behind and took several turns in silence.