Портрет художника в юності
Chapter 5
CranlypressedStephen’sarm,saying:
—Goeasy,mydearman.You’reanexcitablebloodyman,doyouknow.
Helaughednervouslyashespokeand,lookingupintoStephen’sfacewithmovedandfriendlyeyes,said:
—Doyouknowthatyouareanexcitableman?
—IdaresayIam,saidStephen,laughingalso.
Theirminds,latelyestranged,seemedsuddenlytohavebeendrawncloser,onetotheother.
—Doyoubelieveintheeucharist?Cranlyasked.
—Idonot,Stephensaid.
—Doyoudisbelievethen?
—Ineitherbelieveinitnordisbelieveinit,Stephenanswered.
—Manypersonshavedoubts,evenreligiouspersons,yettheyovercomethemorputthemaside,Cranlysaid.Areyourdoubtsonthatpointtoostrong?
—Idonotwishtoovercomethem,Stephenanswered.
Cranly,embarrassedforamoment,tookanotherfigfromhispocketandwasabouttoeatitwhenStephensaid:
—Don’t,please.Youcannotdiscussthisquestionwithyourmouthfullofchewedfig.
Cranlyexaminedthefigbythelightofalampunderwhichhehalted.Thenhesmeltitwithbothnostrils,bitatinypiece,spatitoutandthrewthefigrudelyintothegutter.
