Дублінці
Ivy Day in the Committee Room
Heselectedoneofthecardsandreadwhatwasprintedonit:
MUNICIPALELECTIONS
ROYALEXCHANGEWARD
Mr.RichardJ.Tierney,P.L.G.,respectfullysolicitsthefavourofyourvoteandinfluenceatthecomingelectionintheRoyalExchangeWard.Mr.O’ConnorhadbeenengagedbyTierney’sagenttocanvassonepartofthewardbut,astheweatherwasinclementandhisbootsletinthewet,hespentagreatpartofthedaysittingbythefireintheCommitteeRoominWicklowStreetwithJack,theoldcaretaker.Theyhadbeensittingthussinceeshortdayhadgrowndark.ItwasthesixthofOctober,dismalandcoldoutofdoors.
Mr.O’Connortoreastripoffthecardand,lightingit,lithiscigarette.Ashedidsotheflamelitupaleafofdarkglossyivythelapelofhiscoat.Theoldmanwatchedhimattentivelyandthen,takingupthepieceofcardboardagain,begantofanthefireslowlywhilehiscompanionsmoked.
“Ah,yes,”hesaid,continuing,“it’shardtoknowwhatwaytobringupchildren.Nowwho’dthinkhe’dturnoutlikethat!IsenthimtotheChristianBrothersandIdonewhatIcouldhim,andtherehegoesboosingabout.Itriedtomakehimsomewaydecent.”
Hereplacedthecardboardwearily.
“OnlyI’manoldmannowI’dchangehistuneforhim.I’dtakethesticktohisbackandbeathimwhileIcouldstandoverhim—asIdonemanyatimebefore.
