Дублінці
Counterparts
Hisheartswelledwithfuryand,whenhethoughtofthewomaninthebighatwhohadbrushedagainsthimandsaidPardon!hisfurynearlychokedhim.
HistramlethimdownatShelbourneRoadandhesteeredhisgreatbodyalongintheshadowofthewallofthebarracks.Heloathedreturningtohishome.Whenhewentinbytheside—doorhefoundthekitchenemptyandthekitchenfirenearlyout.Hebawledupstairs:
“Ada!Ada!”
Hiswifewasalittlesharp-facedwomanwhobulliedherhusbandwhenhewassoberandwasbulliedbyhimwhenhewasdrunk.Theyhadfivechildren.Alittleboycamerunningdownthestairs.
“Whoisthat?”saidtheman,peeringthroughthedarkness.
“Me,pa.”
“Whoareyou?Charlie?”
“No,pa.Tom.”
“Where’syourmother?”
“She’soutatthechapel.”
“That’sright....Didshethinkofleavinganydinnerforme?”
“Yes,pa.I—”
“Lightthelamp.Whatdoyoumeanbyhavingtheplaceindarkness?Aretheotherchildreninbed?”
Themansatdownheavilyononeofthechairswhilethelittleboylitthelamp.Hebegantomimichisson’sflataccent,sayinghalftohimself:“Atthechapel
