Remembering her only on his death-bed, he had begged Guillaume to give her an asylum, and find her a husband.

The poor relation, who dealt in ladies' and babies' linen, had just become a bankrupt.

So, at nineteen, the girl, Marie, found herself a penniless outcast, possessed of nothing save a good education, health and courage.
Guillaume would never allow her to run about giving lessons.

He took her, in quite a natural way, to help Mere-Grand, who was no longer so active as formerly.

And the latter approved the arrangement, well pleased at the advent of youth and gaiety, which would somewhat brighten the household, whose life had been one of much gravity ever since Marguerite's death.
Marie would simply be an elder sister; she was too old for the boys, who were still at college, to be disturbed by her presence.