Ba! Mr Deasy cried. That’s not English. A French Celt said that.

He tapped his savingsbox against his thumbnail.

I will tell you, he said solemnly, what is his proudest boast. I paid my way.

Good man, good man.

I paid my way. I never borrowed a shilling in my life. Can you feel that? I owe nothing. Can you?

Mulligan, nine pounds, three pairs of socks, one pair brogues, ties. Curran, ten guineas. McCann, one guinea. Fred Ryan, two shillings. Temple, two lunches. Russell, one guinea, Cousins, ten shillings, Bob Reynolds, half a guinea, Koehler, three guineas, Mrs MacKernan, five weeks’ board. The lump I have is useless.

For the moment, no, Stephen answered.