 There is tension between Stephen and Mulligan, stemming from a cruel remark Stephen overheard Mulligan make about his recently deceased mother, May Dedalus, and from the fact that Mulligan has invited an English student, Haines, to stay with them.The three men eat breakfast and walk to the shore, where Mulligan demands from Stephen the key to the tower and a loan.Departing, Stephen declares that he will not return to the tower that night, as Mulligan, the "usurper", has taken it over.