Shy, clumsy Lea and her capable older sister Christine work for social-climber Madame Danzard who has a daughter, Isabelle. Isabelle takes a liking to Lea whilst her domineering mother, impressed by the sewing and cooking talents of the older girl, congratulates herself on gaining an edge in her competitive social circle. Glad to escape a greedy mother who forced Christine to give up her religious vocation, the sisters save for a future life together.