The white flame flared higher, like an explosion of dazzling sunlight revealing the trampled dirt underfoot, where the polished steel of four anvils fixed on blocks took on a reflection of silver sprinkled with gold.
Then Gervaise recognized Goujet in front of the forge by his beautiful yellow beard.

Etienne was blowing the bellows.

Two other workmen were there, but she only beheld Goujet and walked forward and stood before him.
"Why it's Madame Gervaise!" he exclaimed with a bright look on his face.
"What a pleasant surprise." But as his comrades appeared to be rather amused, he pushed Etienne towards his mother and resumed: "You've come to see the youngster.

He behaves himself well, he's beginning to get some strength in his wrists." "Well!" she said, "it isn't easy to find your way here.

I thought I was going to the end of the world." After telling about her journey, she asked why no one in the shop knew Etienne's name.