A large bunch of wallflowers bloomed on the women's work-table near the window; and absorbed as the young men were in their respective tasks the only sound was the slight hissing of the boring machine each time that the eldest of them drilled another hole.
However, although Guillaume did not stir, there suddenly came a quiver, an awakening.

His sons seemed to guess his presence, for they raised their heads, each at the same moment.

From each, too, came the same cry, and a common impulse brought them first to their feet and then to his arms.
"Father!" Guillaume embraced them, feeling very happy.

And that was all; there was no long spell of emotion, no useless talk.

It was as if he had merely gone out the day before and, delayed by business, had now come back.
Still, he looked at them with his kindly smile, and they likewise smiled with their eyes fixed on his.