Poucette's face became radiant.
"Oh! certainly the place does suit me!" she cried; "and I don't ask anything better than to take it. In the first place it'll be a relief to my uncle and aunt, who have to support me now; but if I earn money, I can help them in my turn, and that will make me very happy."
"I see that you are an excellent girl, my child; and if, as I hope, you serve me faithfully, I promise to increase your wages later."
"You are very kind, madame; I'll do my best. But, you see, I don't know many things, and if I've got to cook, I'm afraid I am not very clever."
"If you are willing, that is enough; I will show you, and you will soon learn."
"As for the will, madame will see that I have plenty of that."
"Well, then, it's a bargain. You accept, do you not? I may rely on you?"
"Certainly, madame, with great thankfulness!"
At that moment they heard a plaintive sort of groan soon followed by sobs. It was the little girl with the head like a hedgehog, crying like a baby.
"Dear, dear! what's the matter, Claudine?" inquired Poucette, turning toward the child, who replied between her sobs: