Mr. Dedalus put up his eyeglass and, staring down at him, said quietly and kindly:

―What are you laughing at, you little puppy, you?

The servants entered and placed the dishes on the table. Mrs. Dedalus followed and the places were arranged.

―Sit over, she said.

Mr. Dedalus went to the end of the table and said:

―Now, Mrs. Riordan, sit over. John, sit you down, my hearty.

He looked round to where uncle Charles sat and said:

―Now then, sir, there’s a bird here waiting for you.