Agnes could count on her mother's help.

It was for the happiness of both of them.

So Agnes went out to the kitchen to do her work as usual.

Both the sisters always helped to lighten their mother's work, for their only servant was quite a young girl, who did not do much besides run errands.
Mux went back to his former place.

He was intensely pleased with the great effect and excitement his words had produced on Agnes.