Children of St. Ives

Jean-Marie spoke softly. "We were man and wife once, Sister, and we were so very happy until I died giving birth. Poor Philippe was so foolish. He walked into the sea to join me, leaving our child an orphan."
Sister Hillaire shivered and crossed herself quickly. What had come over the child? Jean-Marie had suddenly looked so adult and spoke of marriage, childbirth, and suicide, things that were beyond her comprehension. What would a child of eight, living always at St. Yves Orphan Home know of things like that?