Дублінці
The Dead
Helikedmusicbutthepieceshewasplayinghadnomelodyforhimandhedoubtedwhetherithadanymelodyfortheotherlisteners,thoughtheyhadbeggedMaryJanetoplaysomething.Fouryoungmen,whohadcomefromtherefreshment-roomtostandinthedoorwayatthesoundofthepiano,hadgoneawayquietlyincouplesafterafewminutes.TheonlypersonswhoseemedtofollowthemusicwereMaryJaneherself,herhandsracingalongthekey-boardorliftedfromitatthepauseslikethoseofapriestessinmomentaryimprecation,andAuntKatestandingatherelbowtoturnthepage.
Gabriel’seyes,irritatedbythefloor,whichglitteredwithbeeswaxundertheheavychandelier,wanderedtothewallabovethepiano.ApictureofthebalconysceneinRomeoandJuliethungthereandbesideitwasapictureofthetwomurderedprincesintheTowerwhichAuntJuliahadworkedinred,blueandbrownwoolswhenshewasagirl.Probablyintheschooltheyhadgonetoasgirlsthatkindofworkhadbeentaughtforoneyear.Hismotherhadworkedforhimasabirthdaypresentawaistcoatofpurpletabinet,withlittlefoxes’headsuponit,linedwithbrownsatinandhavingroundmulberrybuttons.ItwasstrangethathismotherhadhadnomusicaltalentthoughAuntKateusedtocallherthebrainscarrieroftheMorkanfamily.BothsheandJuliahadalwaysseemedalittleproudoftheirseriousandmatronlysister.Herphotographstoodbeforethepierglass.
