Anne Barberin serves as foster mother to Rémi, the protagonist, residing in the rural French village of Chavanon. Her husband, Jérôme Barberin, works as a stonecutter in Paris, leaving Anne alone for long periods. Initially believing Rémi is her biological child, she raises him with deep affection: comforting his cries, singing him to sleep, shielding him from storms by covering him with her skirt, warming his feet in winter, and preparing his favorite crepes.

When Jérôme returns home injured and destitute, he reveals Rémi was found as an infant in Paris wearing fine clothes, suggesting wealthy origins. To alleviate their poverty, Jérôme decides to sell Rémi to the traveling performer Vitalis. Anne fiercely opposes this, insisting Rémi belongs with the only family he knows. Overruled, she watches Rémi depart without a farewell, causing her profound distress.

Later, Rémi and his companion Mattia save money to buy Anne a cow, replacing one Jérôme forced her to sell. During the delivery, they face theft accusations until the local mayor verifies their story. Anne reunites with Rémi in this event, reaffirming her enduring maternal bond.

Throughout the narrative, Anne remains a compassionate, resilient peasant woman defined by unwavering love for Rémi. Referred to solely as "Mother Barberin," her background—including life before Rémi or her marriage dynamics beyond Jérôme’s absence and financial choices—remains unexplored.