Dubliners by James Joyce Chapter 9 Page 8

He crammed his cap back again into his pocket and re-entered the office, assuming an air of absent-mindedness.

“Mr Alleyne has been calling for you,” said the chief clerk severely. “Where were you?”

The man glanced at the two clients who were standing at the counter as if to intimate that their presence prevented him from answering. As the clients were both male the chief clerk allowed himself a laugh.

“I know that game,” he said. “Five times in one day is a little bit....

Well, you better look sharp and get a copy of our correspondence in the Delacour case for Mr Alleyne.”

This address in the presence of the public, his run upstairs and