Улисс

           Knifeandforkchainedtothetable.

           Openingherhandbag,chippedleather.Hatpin:oughttohaveaguardonthosethings.Stickitinachap’seyeinthetram.Rummaging.Open.Money.Pleasetakeone.Devilsiftheylosesixpence.RaiseCain.Husbandbarging.Where’sthetenshillingsIgaveyouonMonday?Areyoufeedingyourlittlebrother’sfamily?Soiledhandkerchief:medicinebottle.Pastillethatwasfell.Whatisshe?...

           —Theremustbeanewmoonout,shesaid.He’salwaysbadthen.Doyouknowwhathedidlastnight?

           Herhandceasedtorummage.Hereyesfixedthemselvesonhim,wideinalarm,yetsmiling.

           —What?MrBloomasked.

           Letherspeak.Lookstraightinhereyes.Ibelieveyou.Trustme.

           —Wokemeupinthenight,shesaid.Dreamhehad,anightmare.

           Indiges.

           —Saidtheaceofspadeswaswalkingupthestairs.

           —Theaceofspades!MrBloomsaid.

           Shetookafoldedpostcardfromherhandbag.

           —Readthat,shesaid.Hegotitthismorning.

           —Whatisit?MrBloomasked,takingthecard.U.P.?

           —U.p:up,shesaid.Someonetakingariseoutofhim.It’sagreatshameforthemwhoeverheis.

           —Indeeditis,MrBloomsaid.

           Shetookbackthecard,sighing.

           —Andnowhe’sgoingroundtoMrMenton’soffice.He’sgoingtotakeanactionfortenthousandpounds,hesays.

           Shefoldedthecardintoheruntidybagandsnappedthecatch.

           Samebluesergedressshehadtwoyearsago,thenapbleaching.Seenitsbestdays.Wispishhairoverherears.Andthatdowdytoque:threeoldgrapestotaketheharmoutofit.Shabbygenteel.Sheusedtobeatastydresser.Linesroundhermouth.