—You know one reason why, answered Stephen.
Davin tossed his head and laughed.
—Oh, come now, he said. Is it on account of that certain young lady and Father Moran? But that's all in your own mind, Stevie. They were only talking and laughing.
Stephen paused and laid a friendly hand upon Davin's shoulder.
—Do you remember, he said, when we knew each other first? The first morning we met you asked me t show you the way to the matriculation class, putting a very strong stress on the first syllable. You remember? Then you used to address the jesuits as father, you remember? I ask myself about you: Is he as innocentas his speech?