When I tell you there's nothing to it! It isn't her, anyhow!" At this moment, as the young woman was hanging up the last article of clothing, there was a sound of laughter at the door of the wash-house.
"Here are two brats who want their mamma!" cried Charles.
All the women leant forward.

Gervaise recognized Claude and Etienne.

As soon as they caught sight of her, they ran to her through the puddles, the heels of their unlaced shoes resounding on the flagstones.

Claude, the eldest, held his little brother by the hand.

The women, as they passed them, uttered little exclamations of affection as they noticed their frightened though smiling faces.