Улисс

           OnlyayearorsoolderthanMolly.

           Seetheeyethatwomangaveher,passing.Cruel.Theunfairsex.

           Helookedstillather,holdingbackbehindhislookhisdiscontent.Pungentmockturtleoxtailmulligatawny.I’mhungrytoo.Flakesofpastryonthegussetofherdress:daubofsugaryflourstucktohercheek.Rhubarbtartwithliberalfillings,richfruitinterior.JosiePowellthatwas.InLukeDoyle’slongago.Dolphin’sBarn,thecharades.U.p:up.

           Changethesubject.

           —DoyoueverseeanythingofMrsBeaufoy?MrBloomasked.

           —MinaPurefoy?shesaid.

           PhilipBeaufoyIwasthinking.Playgoers’Club.Matchamoftenthinksofthemasterstroke.DidIpullthechain?Yes.Thelastact.

           —Yes.

           —Ijustcalledtoaskonthewayinissheoverit.She’sinthelying-inhospitalinHollesstreet.DrHornegotherin.She’sthreedaysbadnow.

           —O,MrBloomsaid.I’msorrytohearthat.

           —Yes,MrsBreensaid.Andahousefulofkidsathome.It’saverystiffbirth,thenursetoldme.

           —O,MrBloomsaid.

           Hisheavypityinggazeabsorbedhernews.Histongueclackedincompassion.Dth!Dth!

           —I’msorrytohearthat,hesaid.Poorthing!Threedays!That’sterribleforher.

           MrsBreennodded.

           —ShewastakenbadontheTuesday...

           MrBloomtouchedherfunnybonegently,warningher:

           —Mind!Letthismanpass.

           Abonyformstrodealongthecurbstonefromtheriverstaringwitharaptgazeintothesunlightthroughaheavystringedglass.Tightasaskullpieceatinyhatgrippedhishead.Fromhisarmafoldeddustcoat,astickandanumbrelladangledtohisstride.

           —Watchhim,MrBloomsaid.