However, the approach of the multitude was foretokened by the perturbation of the atmosphere, by the gusts of human breath coming from afar; and particularly did the voices swell, the canticle of Bernadette surging with the clamour of a rising tide, through which, with rhythmical persistence, the refrain of "Ave, ave, ave Maria!" rolled ever in a louder key.
"Ah, that refrain!" muttered Pierre; "it penetrates one's very skin.

It seems to me as though my whole body were at last singing it." Again did Marie give vent to that childish laugh of hers.

"It is true," said she; "it follows me about everywhere.

I heard it the other night whilst I was asleep.

And now it is again taking possession of me, rocking me, wafting me above the ground." Then she broke off to say: "Here they come, just across the lawn, in front of us." The procession had entered one of the long, straight paths; and then, turning round the lawn by way of the Breton's Cross, it came back by a parallel path.