She kept a housewifely eye to the linen, and mended it carefully.

Then, desirous of learning little by little the secret of the family property, she acquired the very limited business knowledge which Rouget possessed, and increased it by conversations with the notary of the late doctor, Monsieur Heron.

Thus instructed, she gave excellent advice to her little Jean-Jacques.

Sure of being always mistress, she was as eager and solicitous about the old bachelor's interests as if they had been her own.

She was not obliged to guard against the exactions of her uncle, for two months before the doctor's death Brazier died of a fall as he was leaving a wine-shop, where, since his rise in fortune, he spent most of his time.