She reduced the expenses, handled the resources herself, sold the two farms in 1847, bought some three-per-cents.

in 1848, and restored stable equilibrium in the budget.
Thanks to the talents and activity of this female steward, the gentle and improvident widow had nothing to do but to fondle her child.
Clementine learned to honor the virtues of her aunt, but she adored her mother.

When she had the affliction of losing her, she found herself alone in the world, leaning on Mlle.

Sambucco, like a young plant on a prop of dry wood.

It was then that her friendship for Leon glimmered with a vague ray of love; and young Renault profited by the necessity for expansion which filled this youthful soul.
During the three long years that Leon spent away from her, Clementine scarcely knew that she was alone.