Jerome Barberin, a Parisian stonecutter, lives apart from his wife in rural Chavanon. During a harsh Paris winter, he discovers an abandoned infant clad in fine clothing, suggesting wealthy origins, in an alleyway. Hoping for a reward from the child's family, Barberin takes the baby home to Chavanon and entrusts him to his wife, who names the child Rémi. Unable to locate Rémi's biological parents, Barberin reluctantly agrees to keep him.

Years later, Barberin suffers a crippling work injury in Paris. He sues his employer expecting compensation but loses the case, exhausting the family's savings on legal costs. Penniless and embittered, he returns to Chavanon. Finding Rémi still living with his wife, Barberin rages at the perceived financial burden and resolves to sell the boy.

At a local tavern, Barberin encounters Vitalis, a traveling street performer with animal companions. He negotiates Rémi's sale to Vitalis for money, acting without his wife's knowledge or consent despite her deep love for the child. Barberin justifies this act as essential for economic survival, prioritizing financial gain over family ties.

Following Rémi's departure, Barberin largely vanishes from the narrative. Later, an attorney informs him about the Driscolls, a family claiming to be Rémi's biological relatives. Motivated again by potential profit, Barberin travels to Paris to find Rémi and connect him with the Driscolls. However, he dies after being struck by a vehicle during this trip, failing to achieve his objective.

Barberin exhibits a pragmatic and often harsh demeanor shaped by persistent poverty and misfortune. His relationship with Rémi remains purely transactional, driven by economic necessity rather than paternal affection. This contrasts sharply with his compassionate wife's consistent maternal love for the boy. Barberin's actions, particularly Rémi's sale, stem from dire financial circumstances and the societal pressures of 19th-century France, where extreme poverty forced difficult choices.