It must be said that Lalie had a pale and serious look, with the expression of an old girl.

One might have thought her thirty on hearing her speak.

She knew very well how to buy things, mend the clothes, attend to the home, and she spoke of the children as though she had already gone through two or thee nurseries in her time.

It made people smile to hear her talk thus at eight years old; and then a lump would rise in their throats, and they would hurry away so as not to burst out crying.

Gervaise drew the child towards her as much as she could, gave her all she could spare of food and old clothing.