
In a quiet Scottish town, a stern, penny‑pinching widow named Madame Mac'Miche lives alone in a cramped, gloomy house. When twelve‑year‑old Charles, sent by his cousin Juliette, stumbles into her kitchen, his mischievous spirit clashes with her harsh discipline. The boy’s witty complaints and restless imagination set the stage for a battle of wills that quickly turns the household into a stage for small rebellions and unexpected kindness.
Beyond the cramped rooms, Juliette—blind but radiant with compassion—offers a gentle counterpoint. Guided by the wise words of a devoted grandmother, she strives to tame the “little devil” in Charles with patience, Christian charity, and simple acts of love. Their encounters hint at a transformative friendship that could soften even the hardest heart, promising a tale where generosity and humility shine brighter than any curses.
Language
fr
Duration
~4 hours (284K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Renald Levesque
Release date
2004-07-22
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1799–1874
A Russian-born French countess who became one of the best-loved writers for children, she is still remembered for lively, moral, and often mischievous stories like Sophie's Misfortunes. Her books helped shape 19th-century French children's literature and have stayed in print for generations.
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