He dragged on his existence for another year, neglecting his business and losing all the money he had saved.
Then, one morning, he was found hanging in a cupboard where Ursule's dresses were still suspended.

His elder son, who had received a good commercial training, took a situation in the house of his uncle Rougon, where he replaced Aristide, who had just left.
Rougon, in spite of his profound hatred for the Macquarts, gladly welcomed this nephew, whom he knew to be industrious and sober.

He was in want of a youth whom he could trust, and who would help him to retrieve his affairs.

Moreover, during the time of Mouret's prosperity, he had learnt to esteem the young couple, who knew how to make money, and thus he had soon become reconciled with his sister.

Perhaps he thought he was making Francois some compensation by taking him into his business; having robbed the mother, he would shield himself from remorse by giving employment to the son; even rogues make honest calculations sometimes.