What? Mr Bloom asked.

Let her speak. Look straight in her eyes. I believe you. Trust me.

Woke me up in the night, she said. Dream he had, a nightmare.

Indiges.

Said the ace of spades was walking up the stairs.

The ace of spades! Mr Bloom said.

She took a folded postcard from her handbag.

Read that, she said. He got it this morning.

What is it? Mr Bloom asked, taking the card. U. P.?

U. p: up, she said. Someone taking a rise out of him. It’s a great shame for them whoever he is.

Indeed it is, Mr Bloom said.