Портрет художника в юності

           Thenhesaid:

           —Canyouanswermethisone?WhyisthecountyofKildarelikethelegofafellow’sbreeches?

           Stephenthoughtwhatcouldbetheanswerandthensaid:

           —Igiveitup.

           —Becausethereisathighinit,hesaid.Doyouseethejoke?AthyisthetowninthecountyKildareandathighistheotherthigh.

           —Oh,Isee,Stephensaid.

           —That’sanoldriddle,hesaid.

           Afteramomenthesaid:

           —Isay!

           —What?askedStephen.

           —Youknow,hesaid,youcanaskthatriddleanotherway.

           —Canyou?saidStephen.

           —Thesameriddle,hesaid.Doyouknowtheotherwaytoaskit?

           —No,saidStephen.

           —Canyounotthinkoftheotherway?hesaid.

           HelookedatStephenoverthebedclothesashespoke.Thenhelaybackonthepillowandsaid:

           —ThereisanotherwaybutIwon’ttellyouwhatitis.

           Whydidhenottellit?Hisfather,whokepttheracehorses,mustbeamagistratetoolikeSaurin’sfatherandNastyRoche’sfather.Hethoughtofhisownfather,ofhowhesangsongswhilehismotherplayedandofhowhealwaysgavehimashillingwhenheaskedforsixpenceandhefeltsorryforhimthathewasnotamagistrateliketheotherboys’fathers.