A heavy tramcar honking its gong slewed between. Lost it. Curse your noisy pugnose. Feels locked out of it.
Paradise and the peri. Always happening like that. The very moment.
Girl in Eustace street hallway Monday was it settling her garter. Her friend covering the display of. Esprit de corps. Well, what are you gaping at?
―Yes, yes, Mr Bloom said after a dull sigh. Another gone.
―One of the best, M’Coy said.
The tram passed. They drove off towards the Loop Line bridge, her rich gloved hand on the steel grip.
Flicker, flicker: the laceflare of her hat in the sun: flicker, flick.
―Wife well, I suppose? M’Coy’s changed voice said.
―O yes, Mr Bloom said. Tiptop, thanks.
He unrolled the newspaper baton idly and read idly:
What is home without Plumtree’s Potted Meat? Incomplete. With it an abode of bliss.
―My missus has just got an engagement. At least it’s not settled yet.
Valise tack again. By the way no harm. I’m off that, thanks.
Mr Bloom turned his largelidded eyes with unhasty friendliness:
―My wife too, he said. She’s going to sing at a swagger affair in the Ulster hall, Belfast, on the twentyfifth.
―That so? M’Coy said. Glad to hear that, old man. Who’s getting it up?