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　　Hisnighthadbeenuntroubledbyanyimagesofpleasureorofpain。Butyouthsmileswithoutanyreason。Itisoneofitschiefestcharms。

　　Heturnedround，andleaninguponhiselbow，begantosiphischocolate。ThemellowNovembersuncamestreamingintotheroom。Theskywasbright，andtherewasagenialwarmthintheair。ItwasalmostlikeamorninginMay。

　　Graduallytheeventsoftheprecedingnightcreptwithsilent，blood-stainedfeetintohisbrainandreconstructedthemselvestherewithterribledistinctness。Hewincedatthememoryofallthathehadsuffered，andforamomentthesamecuriousfeelingofloathingforBasilHallwardthathadmadehimkillhimashesatinthechaircamebacktohim，andhegrewcoldwithpassion。Thedeadmanwasstillsittingthere，too，andinthesunlightnow。Howhorriblethatwas！Suchhideousthingswereforthedarkness，notfortheday。

　　Hefeltthatifhebroodedonwhathehadgonethroughhewouldsickenorgrowmad。Thereweresinswhosefascinationwasmoreinthememorythaninthedoingofthem，strangetriumphsthatgratifiedthepridemorethanthepassions，andgavetotheintellectaquickenedsenseofjoy，greaterthananyjoytheybrought，orcouldeverbring，tothesenses。

　　Butthiswasnotoneofthem。Itwasathingtobedrivenoutofthemind，tobedruggedwithpoppies，tobestrangledlestitmightstrangleoneitself。

　　Whenthehalf-hourstruck，hepassedhishandacrosshisforehead，andthengotuphastilyanddressedhimselfwithevenmorethanhisusualcare，givingagooddealofattentiontothechoiceofhisnecktieandscarf-pinandchanginghisringsmorethanonce。Hespentalongtimealsooverbreakfast，tastingthevariousdishes，talkingtohisvaletaboutsomenewliveriesthathewasthinkingofgettingmadefortheservantsatSelby，andgoingthroughhiscorrespondence。Atsomeoftheletters，hesmiled。Threeofthemboredhim。Onehereadseveraltimesoverandthentoreupwithaslightlookofannoyanceinhisface。Thatawfulthing，awoman’smemory！asLordHenryhadoncesaid。

　　Afterhehaddrunkhiscupofblackcoffee，hewipedhislipsslowlywithanapkin，motionedtohisservanttowait，andgoingovertothetable，satdownandwrotetwoletters。Oneheputinhispocket，theotherhehandedtothevalet。

　　Takethisroundto152，HertfordStreet，Francis，andifMr。

　　Campbellisoutoftown，gethisaddress。

　　Assoonashewasalone，helitacigaretteandbegansketchinguponapieceofpaper，drawingfirstflowersandbitsofarchitecture，andthenhumanfaces。SuddenlyheremarkedthateveryfacethathedrewseemedtohaveafantasticlikenesstoBasilHallward。Hefrowned，andgettingup，wentovertothebook-caseandtookoutavolumeathazard。

　　Hewasdeterminedthathewouldnotthinkaboutwhathadhappeneduntilitbecameabsolutelynecessarythatheshoulddoso。

　　Whenhehadstretchedhimselfonthesofa，helookedatthetitle-pageofthebook。ItwasGautier’sEmauxetCamees，Charpentier’sJapanese-paperedition，withtheJacquemartetching。Thebindingwasofcitron-greenleather，withadesignofgilttrellis-workanddottedpomegranates。IthadbeengiventohimbyAdrianSingleton。Asheturnedoverthepages，hiseyefellonthepoemaboutthehandofLacenaire，thecoldyellowhanddusuppliceencoremallav&eacute。：e，withitsdownyredhairsanditsdoigtsdefaune。Heglancedathisownwhitetaperfingers，shudderingslightlyinspiteofhimself，andpassedon，tillhecametothoselovelystanzasuponVenice：

　　Surunegammechromatique，Leseindeperiesruisselant，LaV&eacute。nusdel’AdriatiqueSortdel’eausoncorpsroseetblanc。Lesd&ocirc。mes，surl’azurdesondesSuivantlaphraseaupurcontour，S’enflentcommedesgorgesrondesQuesoul&egrave。veunsoupird’amour。L’esquifabordeetmed&eacute。pose，Jetantsonamarreaupilier，Devantunefa&ccedil。aderose，Surlemarbred’unescalier。

　　Howexquisitetheywere！Asonereadthem，oneseemedtobefloatingdownthegreenwater-waysofthepinkandpearlcity，seatedinablackgondolawithsilverprowandtrailingcurtains。Themerelineslookedtohimlikethosestraightlinesofturquoise-bluethatfollowoneasonepushesouttotheLido。Thesuddenflashesofcolourremindedhimofthegleamoftheopal-and-iris-throatedbirdsthatflutterroundthetallhoneycombedCampanile，orstalk，withsuchstatelygrace，throughthedim，dust-stainedarcades。Leaningbackwithhalf-closedeyes，hekeptsayingoverandovertohimself：

　　Devantunefa&ccedil。aderose，Surlemarbred’unescalier。

　　ThewholeofVenicewasinthosetwolines。Herememberedtheautumnthathehadpassedthere，andawonderfullovethathadstirredhimtomaddelightfulfollies。Therewasromanceineveryplace。ButVenice，likeOxford，hadkeptthebackgroundforromance，and，tothetrueromantic，backgroundwaseverything，oralmosteverything。Basilhadbeenwithhimpartofthetime，andhadgonewildoverTintoret。PoorBasil！Whatahorriblewayforamantodie！

　　Hesighed，andtookupthevolumeagain，andtriedtoforget。

　　HereadoftheswallowsthatflyinandoutofthelittlecafeatSmyrnawheretheHadjissitcountingtheiramberbeadsandtheturbanedmerchantssmoketheirlongtasselledpipesandtalkgravelytoeachother。hereadoftheObeliskinthePlacedelaConcordethatweepstearsofgraniteinitslonelysunlessexileandlongstobebackbythehot，lotus-coveredNile，wherethereareSphinxes，androse-redibises，andwhitevultureswithgildedclaws，andcrocodileswithsmallberyleyesthatcrawloverthegreensteamingmud。hebegantobroodoverthoseverseswhich，drawingmusicfromkiss-stainedmarble，tellofthatcuriousstatuethatGautiercomparestoacontraltovoice，themonstrecharmantthatcouchesintheporphyry-roomoftheLouvre。Butafteratimethebookfellfromhishand。Hegrewnervous，andahorriblefitofterrorcameoverhim。

　　WhatifAlanCampbellshouldbeoutofEngland？Dayswouldelapsebeforehecouldcomeback。Perhapshemightrefusetocome。Whatcouldhedothen？

　　Everymomentwasofvitalimportance。

　　Theyhadbeengreatfriendsonce，fiveyearsbefore——almostinseparable，indeed。Thentheintimacyhadcomesuddenlytoanend。Whentheymetinsocietynow，itwasonlyDorianGraywhosmiled：AlanCampbellneverdid。

　　Hewasanextremelycleveryoungman，thoughhehadnorealappreciationofthevisiblearts，andwhateverlittlesenseofthebeautyofpoetryhepossessedhehadgainedentirelyfromDorian。Hisdominantintellectualpassionwasforscience。AtCambridgehehadspentagreatdealofhistimeworkinginthelaboratory，andhadtakenagoodclassintheNaturalScienceTriposofhisyear。Indeed，hewasstilldevotedtothestudyofchemistry，andhadalaboratoryofhisowninwhichheusedtoshuthimselfupalldaylong，greatlytotheannoyanceofhismother，whohadsetherheartonhisstandingforParliamentandhadavagueideathatachemistwasapersonwhomadeupprescriptions。Hewasanexcellentmusician，however，aswell，andplayedboththeviolinandthepianobetterthanmostamateurs。

　　Infact，itwasmusicthathadfirstbroughthimandDorianGraytogether——musicandthatindefinableattractionthatDorianseemedtobeabletoexercisewheneverhewished——and，indeed，exercisedoftenwithoutbeingconsciousofit。TheyhadmetatLadyBerkshire’sthenightthatRubinsteinplayedthere，andafterthatusedtobealwaysseentogetherattheoperaandwherevergoodmusicwasgoingon。Foreighteenmonthstheirintimacylasted。

　　CampbellwasalwayseitheratSelbyRoyalorinGrosvenorSquare。Tohim，astomanyothers，DorianGraywasthetypeofeverythingthatiswonderfulandfascinatinginlife。Whetherornotaquarrelhadtakenplacebetweenthemnooneeverknew。ButsuddenlypeopleremarkedthattheyscarcelyspokewhentheymetandthatCampbellseemedalwaystogoawayearlyfromanypartyatwhichDorianGraywaspresent。Hehadchanged，too——wasstrangelymelancholyattimes，appearedalmosttodislikehearingmusic，andwouldneverhimselfplay，givingashisexcuse，whenhewascalledupon，thathewassoabsorbedinsciencethathehadnotimeleftinwhichtopractise。

　　Andthiswascertainlytrue。Everydayheseemedtobecomemoreinterestedinbiology，andhisnameappearedonceortwiceinsomeofthescientificreviewsinconnectionwithcertaincuriousexperiments。

　　ThiswasthemanDorianGraywaswaitingfor。Everysecondhekeptglancingattheclock。Astheminuteswentbyhebecamehorriblyagitated。

　　Atlasthegotupandbegantopaceupanddowntheroom，lookinglikeabeautifulcagedthing。Hetooklongstealthystrides。Hishandswerecuriouslycold。

　　Thesuspensebecameunbearable。Timeseemedtohimtobecrawlingwithfeetoflead，whilehebymonstrouswindswasbeingswepttowardsthejaggededgeofsomeblackcleftofprecipice。Heknewwhatwaswaitingforhimthere。sawit，indeed，and，shuddering，crushedwithdankhandshisburninglidsasthoughhewouldhaverobbedtheverybrainofsightanddriventheeyeballsbackintotheircave。Itwasuseless。Thebrainhaditsownfoodonwhichitbattened，andtheimagination，madegrotesquebyterror，twistedanddistortedasalivingthingbypain，dancedlikesomefoulpuppetonastandandgrinnedthroughmovingmasks。Then，suddenly，timestoppedforhim。Yes：thatblind，slow-breathingthingcrawlednomore，andhorriblethoughts，timebeingdead，racednimblyoninfront，anddraggedahideousfuturefromitsgrave，andshowedittohim。Hestaredatit。Itsveryhorrormadehimstone。

　　Atlastthedooropenedandhisservantentered。Heturnedglazedeyesuponhim。

　　Mr。Campbell，sir，saidtheman。

　　Asighofreliefbrokefromhisparchedlips，andthecolourcamebacktohischeeks。

　　Askhimtocomeinatonce，Francis。Hefeltthathewashimselfagain。Hismoodofcowardicehadpassedaway。

　　Themanbowedandretired。Inafewmoments，AlanCampbellwalkedin，lookingverysternandratherpale，hispallorbeingintensifiedbyhiscoal-blackhairanddarkeyebrows。

　　Alan！Thisiskindofyou。Ithankyouforcoming。

　　Ihadintendednevertoenteryourhouseagain，Gray。Butyousaiditwasamatteroflifeanddeath。Hisvoicewashardandcold。Hespokewithslowdeliberation。TherewasalookofcontemptinthesteadysearchinggazethatheturnedonDorian。HekepthishandsinthepocketsofhisAstrakhancoat，andseemednottohavenoticedthegesturewithwhichhehadbeengreeted。

　　Yes：itisamatteroflifeanddeath，Alan，andtomorethanoneperson。Sitdown。

　　Campbelltookachairbythetable，andDoriansatoppositetohim。Thetwomen’seyesmet。InDorian’stherewasinfinitepity。Heknewthatwhathewasgoingtodowasdreadful。

　　Afterastrainedmomentofsilence，heleanedacrossandsaid，veryquietly，butwatchingtheeffectofeachworduponthefaceofhimhehadsentfor，Alan，inalockedroomatthetopofthishouse，aroomtowhichnobodybutmyselfhasaccess，adeadmanisseatedatatable。

　　Hehasbeendeadtenhoursnow。Don’tstir，anddon’tlookatmelikethat。

　　Whothemanis，whyhedied，howhedied，aremattersthatdonotconcernyou。Whatyouhavetodoisthis——

　　Stop，Gray。Idon’twanttoknowanythingfurther。Whetherwhatyouhavetoldmeistrueornottruedoesn’tconcernme。Ientirelydeclinetobemixedupinyourlife。Keepyourhorriblesecretstoyourself。Theydon’tinterestmeanymore。

　　Alan，theywillhavetointerestyou。Thisonewillhavetointerestyou。Iamawfullysorryforyou，Alan。ButIcan’thelpmyself。Youaretheonemanwhoisabletosaveme。Iamforcedtobringyouintothematter。

　　Ihavenooption。Alan，youarescientific。Youknowaboutchemistryandthingsofthatkind。Youhavemadeexperiments。Whatyouhavegottodoistodestroythethingthatisupstairs——todestroyitsothatnotavestigeofitwillbeleft。Nobodysawthispersoncomeintothehouse。

　　Indeed，atthepresentmomentheissupposedtobeinParis。Hewillnotbemissedformonths。Whenheismissed，theremustbenotraceofhimfoundhere。You，Alan，youmustchangehim，andeverythingthatbelongstohim，intoahandfulofashesthatImayscatterintheair。

　　Youaremad，Dorian。

　　Ah！IwaswaitingforyoutocallmeDorian。

　　Youaremad，Itellyou——madtoimaginethatIwouldraiseafingertohelpyou，madtomakethismonstrousconfession。Iwillhavenothingtodowiththismatter，whateveritis。DoyouthinkIamgoingtoperilmyreputationforyou？Whatisittomewhatdevil’sworkyouareupto？

　　Itwassuicide，Alan。

　　Iamgladofthat。Butwhodrovehimtoit？You，Ishouldfancy。

　　Doyoustillrefusetodothisforme？

　　OfcourseIrefuse。Iwillhaveabsolutelynothingtodowithit。Idon’tcarewhatshamecomesonyou。Youdeserveitall。Ishouldnotbesorrytoseeyoudisgraced，publiclydisgraced。Howdareyouaskme，ofallmenintheworld，tomixmyselfupinthishorror？Ishouldhavethoughtyouknewmoreaboutpeople’scharacters。YourfriendLordHenryWottoncan’thavetaughtyoumuchaboutpsychology，whateverelsehehastaughtyou。Nothingwillinducemetostirasteptohelpyou。Youhavecometothewrongman。Gotosomeofyourfriends。Don’tcometome。

　　Alan，itwasmurder。Ikilledhim。Youdon’tknowwhathehadmademesuffer。Whatevermylifeis，hehadmoretodowiththemakingorthemarringofitthanpoorHarryhashad。Hemaynothaveintendedit，theresultwasthesame。

　　Murder！GoodGod，Dorian，isthatwhatyouhavecometo？Ishallnotinformuponyou。Itisnotmybusiness。Besides，withoutmystirringinthematter，youarecertaintobearrested。Nobodyevercommitsacrimewithoutdoingsomethingstupid。ButIwillhavenothingtodowithit。

　　Youmusthavesomethingtodowithit。Wait，waitamoment。listentome。Onlylisten，Alan。AllIaskofyouistoperformacertainscientificexperiment。Yougotohospitalsanddead-houses，andthehorrorsthatyoudotheredon’taffectyou。Ifinsomehideousdissecting-roomorfetidlaboratoryyoufoundthismanlyingonaleadentablewithredguttersscoopedoutinitforthebloodtoflowthrough，youwouldsimplylookuponhimasanadmirablesubject。Youwouldnotturnahair。Youwouldnotbelievethatyouweredoinganythingwrong。Onthecontrary，youwouldprobablyfeelthatyouwerebenefitingthehumanrace，orincreasingthesumofknowledgeintheworld，orgratifyingintellectualcuriosity，orsomethingofthatkind。WhatIwantyoutodoismerelywhatyouhaveoftendonebefore。Indeed，todestroyabodymustbefarlesshorriblethanwhatyouareaccustomedtoworkat。And，remember，itistheonlypieceofevidenceagainstme。Ifitisdiscovered，Iamlost。anditissuretobediscoveredunlessyouhelpme。

　　Ihavenodesiretohelpyou。Youforgetthat。Iamsimplyindifferenttothewholething。Ithasnothingtodowithme。

　　Alan，Ientreatyou。ThinkofthepositionIamin。JustbeforeyoucameIalmostfaintedwithterror。Youmayknowterroryourselfsomeday。No！don’tthinkofthat。Lookatthematterpurelyfromthescientificpointofview。Youdon’tinquirewherethedeadthingsonwhichyouexperimentcomefrom。Don’tinquirenow。Ihavetoldyoutoomuchasitis。ButI

　　begofyoutodothis。Wewerefriendsonce，Alan。

　　Don’tspeakaboutthosedays，Dorian——theyaredead。

　　Thedeadlingersometimes。Themanupstairswillnotgoaway。

　　Heissittingatthetablewithbowedheadandoutstretchedarms。Alan！

　　Alan！Ifyoudon’tcometomyassistance，Iamruined。Why，theywillhangme，Alan！Don’tyouunderstand？TheywillhangmeforwhatIhavedone。

　　Thereisnogoodinprolongingthisscene。Iabsolutelyrefusetodoanythinginthematter。Itisinsaneofyoutoaskme。

　　Yourefuse？

　　Yes。

　　Ientreatyou，Alan。

　　Itisuseless。

　　ThesamelookofpitycameintoDorianGray’seyes。Thenhestretchedouthishand，tookapieceofpaper，andwrotesomethingonit。Hereaditovertwice，foldeditcarefully，andpusheditacrossthetable。Havingdonethis，hegotupandwentovertothewindow。

　　Campbelllookedathiminsurprise，andthentookupthepaper，andopenedit。Ashereadit，hisfacebecameghastlypaleandhefellbackinhischair。Ahorriblesenseofsicknesscameoverhim。Hefeltasifhisheartwasbeatingitselftodeathinsomeemptyhollow。

　　Aftertwoorthreeminutesofterriblesilence，Dorianturnedroundandcameandstoodbehindhim，puttinghishanduponhisshoulder。

　　Iamsosorryforyou，Alan，hemurmured，butyouleavemenoalternative。Ihavealetterwrittenalready。Hereitis。Youseetheaddress。Ifyoudon’thelpme，Imustsendit。Ifyoudon’thelpme，I

　　willsendit。Youknowwhattheresultwillbe。Butyouaregoingtohelpme。Itisimpossibleforyoutorefusenow。Itriedtospareyou。Youwilldomethejusticetoadmitthat。Youwerestern，harsh，offensive。Youtreatedmeasnomanhaseverdaredtotreatme——nolivingman，atanyrate。Iboreitall。Nowitisformetodictateterms。

　　Campbellburiedhisfaceinhishands，andashudderpassedthroughhim。

　　Yes，itismyturntodictateterms，Alan。Youknowwhattheyare。Thethingisquitesimple。Come，don’tworkyourselfintothisfever。

　　Thethinghastobedone。Faceit，anddoit。

　　AgroanbrokefromCampbell’slipsandheshiveredallover。Thetickingoftheclockonthemantelpieceseemedtohimtobedividingtimeintoseparateatomsofagony，eachofwhichwastooterribletobeborne。

　　Hefeltasifanironringwasbeingslowlytightenedroundhisforehead，asifthedisgracewithwhichhewasthreatenedhadalreadycomeuponhim。

　　Thehanduponhisshoulderweighedlikeahandoflead。Itwasintolerable。

　　Itseemedtocrushhim。

　　Come，Alan，youmustdecideatonce。

　　Icannotdoit，hesaid，mechanically，asthoughwordscouldalterthings。

　　Youmust。Youhavenochoice。Don’tdelay。

　　Hehesitatedamoment。Isthereafireintheroomupstairs？

　　Yes，thereisagas-firewithasbestos。

　　Ishallhavetogohomeandgetsomethingsfromthelaboratory。

　　No，Alan，youmustnotleavethehouse。Writeoutonasheetofnotepaperwhatyouwantandmyservantwilltakeacabandbringthethingsbacktoyou。

　　Campbellscrawledafewlines，blottedthem，andaddressedanenvelopetohisassistant。Doriantookthenoteupandreaditcarefully。

　　Thenherangthebellandgaveittohisvalet，withorderstoreturnassoonaspossibleandtobringthethingswithhim。

　　Asthehalldoorshut，Campbellstartednervously，andhavinggotupfromthechair，wentovertothechimney-piece。Hewasshiveringwithakindofague。Fornearlytwentyminutes，neitherofthemenspoke。

　　Aflybuzzednoisilyabouttheroom，andthetickingoftheclockwaslikethebeatofahammer。

　　Asthechimestruckone，Campbellturnedround，andlookingatDorianGray，sawthathiseyeswerefilledwithtears。Therewassomethinginthepurityandrefinementofthatsadfacethatseemedtoenragehim。

　　Youareinfamous，absolutelyinfamous！hemuttered。

　　Hush，Alan。Youhavesavedmylife，saidDorian。

　　Yourlife？Goodheavens！whatalifethatis！Youhavegonefromcorruptiontocorruption，andnowyouhaveculminatedincrime。IndoingwhatIamgoingtodo——whatyouforcemetodo——itisnotofyourlifethatIamthinking。

　　Ah，Alan，murmuredDorianwithasigh，IwishyouhadathousandthpartofthepityformethatIhaveforyou。Heturnedawayashespokeandstoodlookingoutatthegarden。Campbellmadenoanswer。

　　Afterabouttenminutesaknockcametothedoor，andtheservantentered，carryingalargemahoganychestofchemicals，withalongcoilofsteelandplatinumwireandtworathercuriouslyshapedironclamps。

　　ShallIleavethethingshere，sir？heaskedCampbell。

　　Yes，saidDorian。AndIamafraid，Francis，thatIhaveanothererrandforyou。WhatisthenameofthemanatRichmondwhosuppliesSelbywithorchids？

　　Harden，sir。

　　Yes——Harden。YoumustgodowntoRichmondatonce，seeHardenpersonally，andtellhimtosendtwiceasmanyorchidsasIordered，andtohaveasfewwhiteonesaspossible。Infact，Idon’twantanywhiteones。Itisalovelyday，Francis，andRichmondisaveryprettyplace——

　　otherwiseIwouldn’tbotheryouaboutit。

　　Notrouble，sir。AtwhattimeshallIbeback？

　　DorianlookedatCampbell。Howlongwillyourexperimenttake，Alan？hesaidinacalmindifferentvoice。Thepresenceofathirdpersonintheroomseemedtogivehimextraordinarycourage。

　　Campbellfrownedandbithislip。Itwilltakeaboutfivehours，

　　heanswered。

　　Itwillbetimeenough，then，ifyouarebackathalf-pastseven，Francis。Orstay：justleavemythingsoutfordressing。Youcanhavetheeveningtoyourself。Iamnotdiningathome，soIshallnotwantyou。

　　Thankyou，sir，saidtheman，leavingtheroom。

　　Now，Alan，thereisnotamomenttobelost。Howheavythischestis！I’lltakeitforyou。Youbringtheotherthings。Hespokerapidlyandinanauthoritativemanner。Campbellfeltdominatedbyhim。Theylefttheroomtogether。

　　Whentheyreachedthetoplanding，Doriantookoutthekeyandturneditinthelock。Thenhestopped，andatroubledlookcameintohiseyes。Heshuddered。Idon’tthinkIcangoin，Alan，hemurmured。

　　Itisnothingtome。Idon’trequireyou，saidCampbellcoldly。

　　Dorianhalfopenedthedoor。Ashedidso，hesawthefaceofhisportraitleeringinthesunlight。Onthefloorinfrontofitthetorncurtainwaslying。Herememberedthatthenightbeforehehadforgotten，forthefirsttimeinhislife，tohidethefatalcanvas，andwasabouttorushforward，whenhedrewbackwithashudder。

　　Whatwasthatloathsomereddewthatgleamed，wetandglistening，ononeofthehands，asthoughthecanvashadsweatedblood？Howhorribleitwas！——morehorrible，itseemedtohimforthemoment，thanthesilentthingthatheknewwasstretchedacrossthetable，thethingwhosegrotesquemisshapenshadowonthespottedcarpetshowedhimthatithadnotstirred，butwasstillthere，ashehadleftit。

　　Heheavedadeepbreath，openedthedooralittlewider，andwithhalf-closedeyesandavertedhead，walkedquicklyin，determinedthathewouldnotlookevenonceuponthedeadman。Then，stoopingdownandtakingupthegold-and-purplehanging，heflungitrightoverthepicture。

　　Therehestopped，feelingafraidtoturnround，andhiseyesfixedthemselvesontheintricaciesofthepatternbeforehim。HeheardCampbellbringingintheheavychest，andtheirons，andtheotherthingsthathehadrequiredforhisdreadfulwork。HebegantowonderifheandBasilHallwardhadevermet，and，ifso，whattheyhadthoughtofeachother。

　　Leavemenow，saidasternvoicebehindhim。

　　Heturnedandhurriedout，justconsciousthatthedeadmanhadbeenthrustbackintothechairandthatCampbellwasgazingintoaglisteningyellowface。Ashewasgoingdownstairs，heheardthekeybeingturnedinthelock。

　　ItwaslongaftersevenwhenCampbellcamebackintothelibrary。

　　Hewaspale，butabsolutelycalm。Ihavedonewhatyouaskedmetodo，

　　hemutteredAndnow，good-bye。Letusneverseeeachotheragain。

　　Youhavesavedmefromruin，Alan。Icannotforgetthat，saidDoriansimply。

　　AssoonasCampbellhadleft，hewentupstairs。Therewasahorriblesmellofnitricacidintheroom。Butthethingthathadbeensittingatthetablewasgone。

　　ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter15Chapter15Thatevening，ateight-thirty，exquisitelydressedandwearingalargebutton-holeofParmaviolets，DorianGraywasusheredintoLadyNarborough’sdrawing-roombybowingservants。Hisforeheadwasthrobbingwithmaddenednerves，andhefeltwildlyexcited，buthismannerashebentoverhishostess’shandwasaseasyandgracefulasever。Perhapsoneneverseemssomuchatone’seaseaswhenonehastoplayapart。CertainlynoonelookingatDorianGraythatnightcouldhavebelievedthathehadpassedthroughatragedyashorribleasanytragedyofourage。Thosefinelyshapedfingerscouldneverhaveclutchedaknifeforsin，northosesmilinglipshavecriedoutonGodandgoodness。Hehimselfcouldnothelpwonderingatthecalmofhisdemeanour，andforamomentfeltkeenlytheterriblepleasureofadoublelife。

　　Itwasasmallparty，gotupratherinahurrybyLadyNarborough，whowasaverycleverwomanwithwhatLordHenryusedtodescribeastheremainsofreallyremarkableugliness。Shehadprovedanexcellentwifetooneofourmosttediousambassadors，andhavingburiedherhusbandproperlyinamarblemausoleum，whichshehadherselfdesigned，andmarriedoffherdaughterstosomerich，ratherelderlymen，shedevotedherselfnowtothepleasuresofFrenchfiction，Frenchcookery，andFrenchespritwhenshecouldgetit。

　　Dorianwasoneofherespecialfavourites，andshealwaystoldhimthatshewasextremelygladshehadnotmethiminearlylife。Iknow，mydear，Ishouldhavefallenmadlyinlovewithyou，sheusedtosay，andthrownmybonnetrightoverthemillsforyoursake。Itismostfortunatethatyouwerenotthoughtofatthetime。Asitwas，ourbonnetsweresounbecoming，andthemillsweresooccupiedintryingtoraisethewind，thatIneverhadevenaflirtationwithanybody。However，thatwasallNarborough’sfault。Hewasdreadfullyshort-sighted，andthereisnopleasureintakinginahusbandwhoneverseesanything。

　　Hergueststhiseveningwererathertedious。Thefactwas，assheexplainedtoDorian，behindaveryshabbyfan，oneofhermarrieddaughtershadcomeupquitesuddenlytostaywithher，and，tomakemattersworse，hadactuallybroughtherhusbandwithher。Ithinkitismostunkindofher，mydear，shewhispered。OfcourseIgoandstaywiththemeverysummerafterIcomefromHomburg，butthenanoldwomanlikememusthavefreshairsometimes，andbesides，Ireallywakethemup。Youdon’tknowwhatanexistencetheyleaddownthere。Itispureunadulteratedcountrylife。Theygetupearly，becausetheyhavesomuchtodo，andgotobedearly，becausetheyhavesolittletothinkabout。TherehasnotbeenascandalintheneighbourhoodsincethetimeofQueenElizabeth，andconsequentlytheyallfallasleepafterdinner。Youshan’tsitnexteitherofthem。

　　Youshallsitbymeandamuseme。

　　Dorianmurmuredagracefulcomplimentandlookedroundtheroom。

　　Yes：itwascertainlyatediousparty。Twoofthepeoplehehadneverseenbefore，andtheothersconsistedofErnestHarrowden，oneofthosemiddle-agedmediocritiessocommoninLondonclubswhohavenoenemies，butarethoroughlydislikedbytheirfriends。LadyRuxton，anoverdressedwomanofforty-seven，withahookednose，whowasalwaystryingtogetherselfcompromised，butwassopeculiarlyplainthattohergreatdisappointmentnoonewouldeverbelieveanythingagainsther。Mrs。Erlynne，apushingnobody，withadelightfullispandVenetian-redhair。LadyAliceChapman，hishostess’sdaughter，adowdydullgirl，withoneofthosecharacteristicBritishfacesthat，onceseen，areneverremembered。andherhusband，ared-cheeked，white-whiskeredcreaturewho，likesomanyofhisclass，wasundertheimpressionthatinordinatejovialitycanatoneforanentirelackofideas。

　　Hewasrathersorryhehadcome，tillLadyNarborough，lookingatthegreatormolugiltclockthatsprawledingaudycurvesonthemauve-drapedmantelshelf，exclaimed：HowhorridofHenryWottontobesolate！Isentroundtohimthismorningonchanceandhepromisedfaithfullynottodisappointme。

　　ItwassomeconsolationthatHarrywastobethere，andwhenthedooropenedandheheardhisslowmusicalvoicelendingcharmtosomeinsincereapology，heceasedtofeelbored。

　　Butatdinnerhecouldnoteatanything。Plateafterplatewentawayuntasted。LadyNarboroughkeptscoldinghimforwhatshecalledaninsulttopoorAdolphe，whoinventedthemenuspeciallyforyou，andnowandthenLordHenrylookedacrossathim，wonderingathissilenceandabstractedmanner。Fromtimetotimethebutlerfilledhisglasswithchampagne。

　　Hedrankeagerly，andhisthirstseemedtoincrease。

　　Dorian，saidLordHenryatlast，asthechaud-froidwasbeinghandedround，whatisthematterwithyouto-night？Youarequiteoutofsorts。

　　Ibelieveheisinlove，criedLadyNarborough，andthatheisafraidtotellmeforfearIshouldbejealous。Heisquiteright。I

　　certainlyshould。

　　DearLadyNarborough，murmuredDorian，smiling，Ihavenotbeeninloveforawholeweek——not，infact，sinceMadamedeFerrollefttown。

　　Howyoumencanfallinlovewiththatwoman！exclaimedtheoldlady。Ireallycannotunderstandit。

　　Itissimplybecausesheremembersyouwhenyouwerealittlegirl，LadyNarborough，saidLordHenry。Sheistheonelinkbetweenusandyourshortfrocks。

　　Shedoesnotremembermyshortfrocksatall，LordHenry。ButIrememberherverywellatViennathirtyyearsago，andhowd&eacute。collet&eacute。eshewasthen。

　　Sheisstilld&eacute。collet&eacute。e，heanswered，takinganoliveinhislongfingers。andwhensheisinaverysmartgownshelookslikean&eacute。ditiondeluxeofabadFrenchnovel。Sheisreallywonderful，andfullofsurprises。Hercapacityforfamilyaffectionisextraordinary。Whenherthirdhusbanddied，herhairturnedquitegoldfromgrief。

　　Howcanyou，Harry！criedDorian。

　　Itisamostromanticexplanation，laughedthehostess。Butherthirdhusband，LordHenry！Youdon’tmeantosayFerrolisthefourth？

　　Certainly，LadyNarborough。

　　Idon’tbelieveawordofit。

　　Well，askMr。Gray。Heisoneofhermostintimatefriends。

　　Isittrue，Mr。Gray？

　　Sheassuresmeso，LadyNarborough，saidDorian。Iaskedherwhether，likeMargueritedeNavarre，shehadtheirheartsembalmedandhungathergirdle。Shetoldmeshedidn’t，becausenoneofthemhadhadanyheartsatall。

　　Fourhusbands！Uponmywordthatistropdez&egrave。le。

　　Tropd’audace，Itellher，saidDorian。

　　Oh！sheisaudaciousenoughforanything，mydear。AndwhatisFerrollike？Idon’tknowhim。

　　Thehusbandsofverybeautifulwomenbelongtothecriminalclasses，

　　saidLordHenry，sippinghiswine。

　　LadyNarboroughhithimwithherfan。LordHenry，Iamnotatallsurprisedthattheworldsaysthatyouareextremelywicked。

　　Butwhatworldsaysthat？askedLordHenry，elevatinghiseyebrows。

　　Itcanonlybethenextworld。ThisworldandIareonexcellentterms。

　　EverybodyIknowsaysyouareverywicked，criedtheoldlady，shakingherhead。

　　LordHenrylookedseriousforsomemoments。Itisperfectlymonstrous，

　　hesaid，atlast，thewaypeoplegoaboutnowadayssayingthingsagainstonebehindone’sbackthatareabsolutelyandentirelytrue。

　　Isn’theincorrigible？criedDorian，leaningforwardinhischair。

　　Ihopeso，saidhishostess，laughing。Butreally，ifyouallworshipMadamedeFerrolinthisridiculousway，Ishallhavetomarryagainsoastobeinthefashion。

　　Youwillnevermarryagain，LadyNarborough，brokeinLordHenry。

　　Youwerefartoohappy。Whenawomanmarriesagain，itisbecauseshedetestedherfirsthusband。Whenamanmarriesagain，itisbecauseheadoredhisfirstwife。Womentrytheirluck。menrisktheirs。

　　Narboroughwasn’tperfect，criedtheoldlady。

　　Ifhehadbeen，youwouldnothavelovedhim，mydearlady，

　　wastherejoinder。Womenloveusforourdefects。Ifwehaveenoughofthem，theywillforgiveuseverything，evenourintellects。Youwillneveraskmetodinneragainaftersayingthis，Iamafraid，LadyNarborough，butitisquitetrue。

　　Ofcourseitistrue，LordHenry。Ifwewomendidnotloveyouforyourdefects，wherewouldyouallbe？Notoneofyouwouldeverbemarried。Youwouldbeasetofunfortunatebachelors。Not，however，thatthatwouldalteryoumuch。Nowadaysallthemarriedmenlivelikebachelors，andallthebachelorslikemarriedmen。

　　Findesi&egrave。cle，murmuredLordHenry。

　　Finduglobe，answeredhishostess。

　　Iwishitwerefinduglobe，saidDorianwithasigh。

　　Lifeisagreatdisappointment。

　　Ah，mydear，criedLadyNarborough，puttingonhergloves，don’ttellmethatyouhaveexhaustedlife。Whenamansaysthatoneknowsthatlifehasexhaustedhim。LordHenryisverywicked，andIsometimeswishthatIhadbeen。butyouaremadetobegood——youlooksogood。Imustfindyouanicewife。LordHenry，don’tyouthinkthatMr。Grayshouldgetmarried？

　　Iamalwaystellinghimso，LadyNarborough，saidLordHenrywithabow。

　　Well，wemustlookoutforasuitablematchforhim。IshallgothroughDebrettcarefullyto-nightanddrawoutalistofalltheeligibleyoungladies。

　　Withtheirages，LadyNarborough？askedDorian。

　　Ofcourse，withtheirages，slightlyedited。Butnothingmustbedoneinahurry。IwantittobewhatTheMorningPostcallsasuitablealliance，andIwantyoubothtobehappy。

　　Whatnonsensepeopletalkabouthappymarriages！exclaimedLordHenry。Amancanbehappywithanywoman，aslongashedoesnotloveher。

　　Ah！whatacynicyouare！criedtheoldlady，pushingbackherchairandnoddingtoLadyRuxton。Youmustcomeanddinewithmesoonagain。Youarereallyanadmirabletonic，muchbetterthanwhatSirAndrewprescribesforme。Youmusttellmewhatpeopleyouwouldliketomeet，though。Iwantittobeadelightfulgathering。

　　Ilikemenwhohaveafutureandwomenwhohaveapast，heanswered。

　　Ordoyouthinkthatwouldmakeitapetticoatparty？

　　Ifearso，shesaid，laughing，asshestoodup。Athousandpardons，mydearLadyRuxton，sheadded，Ididn’tseeyouhadn’tfinishedyourcigarette。

　　Nevermind，LadyNarborough。Ismokeagreatdealtoomuch。I

　　amgoingtolimitmyself，forthefuture。

　　Praydon’t，LadyRuxton，saidLordHenry。Moderationisafatalthing。Enoughisasbadasameal。Morethanenoughisasgoodasafeast。

　　LadyRuxtonglancedathimcuriously。Youmustcomeandexplainthattomesomeafternoon，LordHenry。Itsoundsafascinatingtheory，

　　shemurmured，asshesweptoutoftheroom。

　　Now，mindyoudon’tstaytoolongoveryourpoliticsandscandal，

　　criedLadyNarboroughfromthedoor。Ifyoudo，wearesuretosquabbleupstairs。

　　Themenlaughed，andMr。Chapmangotupsolemnlyfromthefootofthetableandcameuptothetop。DorianGraychangedhisseatandwentandsatbyLordHenry。Mr。ChapmanbegantotalkinaloudvoiceaboutthesituationintheHouseofCommons。Heguffawedathisadversaries。

　　Theworddoctrinaire——wordfullofterrortotheBritishmind——

　　reappearedfromtimetotimebetweenhisexplosions。Analliterativeprefixservedasanornamentoforatory。HehoistedtheUnionJackonthepinnaclesofthought。Theinheritedstupidityoftherace——soundEnglishcommonsensehejoviallytermedit——wasshowntobetheproperbulwarkforsociety。

　　AsmilecurvedLordHenry’slips，andheturnedroundandlookedatDorian。

　　Areyoubetter，mydearfellow？heasked。Youseemedratheroutofsortsatdinner。

　　Iamquitewell，Harry。Iamtired。Thatisall。

　　Youwerecharminglastnight。Thelittleduchessisquitedevotedtoyou。ShetellsmesheisgoingdowntoSelby。

　　Shehaspromisedtocomeonthetwentieth。

　　IsMonmouthtobethere，too？

　　Oh，yes，Harry。

　　Heboresmedreadfully，almostasmuchasheboresher。Sheisveryclever，toocleverforawoman。Shelackstheindefinablecharmofweakness。Itisthefeetofclaythatmakethegoldoftheimageprecious。

　　Herfeetareverypretty，buttheyarenotfeetofclay。Whiteporcelainfeet，ifyoulike。Theyhavebeenthroughthefire，andwhatfiredoesnotdestroy，ithardens。Shehashadexperiences。

　　Howlonghasshebeenmarried？askedDorian。

　　Aneternity，shetellsme。Ibelieve，accordingtothepeerage，itistenyears，buttenyearswithMonmouthmusthavebeenlikeeternity，withtimethrownin。Whoelseiscoming？

　　Oh，theWilloughbys，LordRugbyandhiswife，ourhostess，GeoffreyClouston，theusualset。IhaveaskedLordGrotrian。

　　Ilikehim，saidLordHenry。Agreatmanypeopledon’t，butIfindhimcharming。Heatonesforbeingoccasionallysomewhatoverdressedbybeingalwaysabsolutelyover-educated。Heisaverymoderntype。

　　Idon’tknowifhewillbeabletocome，Harry。HemayhavetogotoMonteCarlowithhisfather。

　　Ah！whatanuisancepeople’speopleare！Tryandmakehimcome。

　　Bytheway，Dorian，youranoffveryearlylastnight。Youleftbeforeeleven。Whatdidyoudoafterwards？Didyougostraighthome？

　　Dorianglancedathimhurriedlyandfrowned。

　　No，Harry，hesaidatlast，Ididnotgethometillnearlythree。

　　Didyougototheclub？

　　Yes，heanswered。Thenhebithislip。No，Idon’tmeanthat。

　　Ididn’tgototheclub。Iwalkedabout。IforgetwhatIdid……Howinquisitiveyouare，Harry！Youalwayswanttoknowwhatonehasbeendoing。

　　IalwayswanttoforgetwhatIhavebeendoing。Icameinathalf-pasttwo，ifyouwishtoknowtheexacttime。Ihadleftmylatch-keyathome，andmyservanthadtoletmein。Ifyouwantanycorroborativeevidenceonthesubject，youcanaskhim。

　　LordHenryshruggedhisshoulders。Mydearfellow，asifIcared！

　　Letusgouptothedrawing-room。Nosherry，thankyou，Mr。Chapman。Somethinghashappenedtoyou，Dorian。Tellmewhatitis。Youarenotyourselfto-night。

　　Don’tmindme，Harry。Iamirritable，andoutoftemper。Ishallcomeroundandseeyouto-morrow，ornextday。MakemyexcusestoLadyNarborough。Ishan’tgoupstairs。Ishallgohome。Imustgohome。

　　Allright，Dorian。IdaresayIshallseeyouto-morrowattea-time。

　　Theduchessiscoming。

　　Iwilltrytobethere，Harry，hesaid，leavingtheroom。Ashedrovebacktohisownhouse，hewasconsciousthatthesenseofterrorhethoughthehadstrangledhadcomebacktohim。LordHenry’scasualquestioninghadmadehimlosehisnervesforthemoment，andhewantedhisnervestill。

　　Thingsthatweredangeroushadtobedestroyed。Hewinced。Hehatedtheideaofeventouchingthem。

　　Yetithadtobedone。Herealizedthat，andwhenhehadlockedthedoorofhislibrary，heopenedthesecretpressintowhichhehadthrustBasilHallward’scoatandbag。Ahugefirewasblazing。Hepiledanotherlogonit。Thesmellofthesingeingclothesandburningleatherwashorrible。

　　Ittookhimthree-quartersofanhourtoconsumeeverything。Attheendhefeltfaintandsick，andhavinglitsomeAlgerianpastillesinapiercedcopperbrazier，hebathedhishandsandforeheadwithacoolmusk-scentedvinegar。

　　Suddenlyhestarted。Hiseyesgrewstrangelybright，andhegnawednervouslyathisunderlip。BetweentwoofthewindowsstoodalargeFlorentinecabinet，madeoutofebonyandinlaidwithivoryandbluelapis。Hewatcheditasthoughitwereathingthatcouldfascinateandmakeafraid，asthoughitheldsomethingthathelongedforandyetalmostloathed。Hisbreathquickened。Amadcravingcameoverhim。Helitacigaretteandthenthrewitaway。Hiseyelidsdroopedtillthelongfringedlashesalmosttouchedhischeek。Buthestillwatchedthecabinet。Atlasthegotupfromthesofaonwhichhehadbeenlying，wentovertoit，andhavingunlockedit，touchedsomehiddenspring。Atriangulardrawerpassedslowlyout。Hisfingersmovedinstinctivelytowardsit，dippedin，andclosedonsomething。

　　ItwasasmallChineseboxofblackandgold-dustlacquer，elaboratelywrought，thesidespatternedwithcurvedwaves，andthesilkencordshungwithroundcrystalsandtasselledinplaitedmetalthreads。Heopenedit。

　　Insidewasagreenpaste，waxyinlustre，theodourcuriouslyheavyandpersistent。

　　Hehesitatedforsomemoments，withastrangelyimmobilesmileuponhisface。Thenshivering，thoughtheatmosphereoftheroomwasterriblyhot，hedrewhimselfupandglancedattheclock。Itwastwentyminutestotwelve。Heputtheboxback，shuttingthecabinetdoorsashedidso，andwentintohisbedroom。

　　Asmidnightwasstrikingbronzeblowsupontheduskyair，DorianGray，dressedcommonly，andwithamufflerwrappedroundhisthroat，creptquietlyoutofhishouse。InBondStreethefoundahansomwithagoodhorse。Hehaileditandinalowvoicegavethedriveranaddress。

　　Themanshookhishead。Itistoofarforme，hemuttered。

　　Hereisasovereignforyou，saidDorian。Youshallhaveanotherifyoudrivefast。

　　Allright，sir，answeredtheman，youwillbethereinanhour，

　　andafterhisfarehadgotinheturnedhishorseroundanddroverapidlytowardstheriver。

　　ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter16Chapter16Acoldrainbegantofall，andtheblurredstreet-lampslookedghastlyinthedrippingmist。Thepublic-houseswerejustclosing，anddimmenandwomenwereclusteringinbrokengroupsroundtheirdoors。Fromsomeofthebarscamethesoundofhorriblelaughter。Inothers，drunkardsbrawledandscreamed。

　　Lyingbackinthehansom，withhishatpulledoverhisforehead，DorianGraywatchedwithlistlesseyesthesordidshameofthegreatcity，andnowandthenherepeatedtohimselfthewordsthatLordHenryhadsaidtohimonthefirstdaytheyhadmet，Tocurethesoulbymeansofthesenses，andthesensesbymeansofthesoul。Yes，thatwasthesecret。

　　Hehadoftentriedit，andwouldtryitagainnow。Therewereopiumdenswhereonecouldbuyoblivion，densofhorrorwherethememoryofoldsinscouldbedestroyedbythemadnessofsinsthatwerenew。

　　Themoonhunglowintheskylikeayellowskull。Fromtimetotimeahugemisshapencloudstretchedalongarmacrossandhidit。Thegas-lampsgrewfewer，andthestreetsmorenarrowandgloomy。Oncethemanlosthiswayandhadtodrivebackhalfamile。Asteamrosefromthehorseasitsplashedupthepuddles。Thesidewindowsofthehansomwerecloggedwithagrey-flannelmist。

　　Tocurethesoulbymeansofthesenses，andthesensesbymeansofthesoul！Howthewordsranginhisears！Hissoul，certainly，wassicktodeath。Wasittruethatthesensescouldcureit？Innocentbloodhadbeenspilled。Whatcouldatoneforthat？Ah！forthattherewasnoatonement。butthoughforgivenesswasimpossible，forgetfulnesswaspossiblestill，andhewasdeterminedtoforget，tostampthethingout，tocrushitasonewouldcrushtheadderthathadstungone。Indeed，whatrighthadBasiltohavespokentohimashehaddone？Whohadmadehimajudgeoverothers？Hehadsaidthingsthatweredreadful，horrible，nottobeendured。

　　Onandonploddedthehansom，goingslower，itseemedtohim，ateachstep。Hethrustupthetrapandcalledtothemantodrivefaster。

　　Thehideoushungerforopiumbegantognawathim。Histhroatburnedandhisdelicatehandstwitchednervouslytogether。Hestruckatthehorsemadlywithhisstick。Thedriverlaughedandwhippedup。Helaughedinanswer，andthemanwassilent。

　　Thewayseemedinterminable，andthestreetsliketheblackwebofsomesprawlingspider。Themonotonybecameunbearable，andasthemistthickened，hefeltafraid。

　　Thentheypassedbylonelybrickfields。Thefogwaslighterhere，andhecouldseethestrange，bottle-shapedkilnswiththeirorange，fanliketonguesoffire。Adogbarkedastheywentby，andfarawayinthedarknesssomewanderingsea-gullscreamed。Thehorsestumbledinarut，thenswervedasideandbrokeintoagallop。

　　Aftersometimetheylefttheclayroadandrattledagainoverrough-pavenstreets。Mostofthewindowsweredark，butnowandthenfantasticshadowsweresilhouettedagainstsomelamplitblind。Hewatchedthemcuriously。

　　Theymovedlikemonstrousmarionettesandmadegestureslikelivethings。

　　Hehatedthem。Adullragewasinhisheart。Astheyturnedacorner，awomanyelledsomethingatthemfromanopendoor，andtwomenranafterthehansomforaboutahundredyards。Thedriverbeatatthemwithhiswhip。

　　Itissaidthatpassionmakesonethinkinacircle。CertainlywithhideousiterationthebittenlipsofDorianGrayshapedandreshapedthosesubtlewordsthatdealtwithsoulandsense，tillhehadfoundinthemthefullexpression，asitwere，ofhismood，andjustified，byintellectualapproval，passionsthatwithoutsuchjustificationwouldstillhavedominatedhistemper。Fromcelltocellofhisbraincrepttheonethought。andthewilddesiretolive，mostterribleofallman’sappetites，quickenedintoforceeachtremblingnerveandfibre。Uglinessthathadoncebeenhatefultohimbecauseitmadethingsreal，becamedeartohimnowforthatveryreason。Uglinesswastheonereality。Thecoarsebrawl，theloathsomeden，thecrudeviolenceofdisorderedlife，theveryvilenessofthiefandoutcast，weremorevivid，intheirintenseactualityofimpression，thanallthegraciousshapesofart，thedreamyshadowsofsong。Theywerewhatheneededforforgetfulness。Inthreedayshewouldbefree。

　　Suddenlythemandrewupwithajerkatthetopofadarklane。

　　Overthelowroofsandjaggedchimney-stacksofthehousesrosetheblackmastsofships。Wreathsofwhitemistclunglikeghostlysailstotheyards。

　　Somewhereabouthere，sir，ain’tit？heaskedhuskilythroughthetrap。

　　Dorianstartedandpeeredround。Thiswilldo，heanswered，andhavinggotouthastilyandgiventhedrivertheextrafarehehadpromisedhim，hewalkedquicklyinthedirectionofthequay。Hereandtherealanterngleamedatthesternofsomehugemerchantman。Thelightshookandsplinteredinthepuddles。Aredglarecamefromanoutward-boundsteamerthatwascoaling。Theslimypavementlookedlikeawetmackintosh。

　　Hehurriedontowardstheleft，glancingbacknowandthentoseeifhewasbeingfollowed。Inaboutsevenoreightminuteshereachedasmallshabbyhousethatwaswedgedinbetweentwogauntfactories。Inoneofthetop-windowsstoodalamp。Hestoppedandgaveapeculiarknock。

　　Afteralittletimeheheardstepsinthepassageandthechainbeingunhooked。Thedooropenedquietly，andhewentinwithoutsayingawordtothesquatmisshapenfigurethatflatteneditselfintotheshadowashepassed。Attheendofthehallhungatatteredgreencurtainthatswayedandshookinthegustywindwhichhadfollowedhiminfromthestreet。

　　Hedraggeditasideandenteredalonglowroomwhichlookedasifithadoncebeenathird-ratedancing-saloon。Shrillflaringgas-jets，dulledanddistortedinthefly-blownmirrorsthatfacedthem，wererangedroundthewalls。Greasyreflectorsofribbedtinbackedthem，makingquiveringdisksoflight。Thefloorwascoveredwithochre-colouredsawdust，trampledhereandthereintomud，andstainedwithdarkringsofspilledliquor。

　　SomeMalayswerecrouchingbyalittlecharcoalstove，playingwithbonecountersandshowingtheirwhiteteethastheychattered。Inonecorner，withhisheadburiedinhisarms，asailorsprawledoveratable，andbythetawdrilypaintedbarthatranacrossonecompletesidestoodtwohaggardwomen，mockinganoldmanwhowasbrushingthesleevesofhiscoatwithanexpressionofdisgust。Hethinkshe’sgotredantsonhim，laughedoneofthem，asDorianpassedby。Themanlookedatherinterrorandbegantowhimper。

　　Attheendoftheroomtherewasalittlestaircase，leadingtoadarkenedchamber。AsDorianhurriedupitsthreericketysteps，theheavyodourofopiummethim。Heheavedadeepbreath，andhisnostrilsquiveredwithpleasure。Whenheentered，ayoungmanwithsmoothyellowhair，whowasbendingoveralamplightingalongthinpipe，lookedupathimandnoddedinahesitatingmanner。

　　Youhere，Adrian？mutteredDorian。

　　WhereelseshouldIbe？heanswered，listlessly。Noneofthechapswillspeaktomenow。

　　IthoughtyouhadleftEngland。

　　Darlingtonisnotgoingtodoanything。Mybrotherpaidthebillatlast。Georgedoesn’tspeaktomeeither……Idon’tcare，headdedwithasigh。Aslongasonehasthisstuff，onedoesn’twantfriends。

　　IthinkIhavehadtoomanyfriends。

　　Dorianwincedandlookedroundatthegrotesquethingsthatlayinsuchfantasticposturesontheraggedmattresses。Thetwistedlimbs，thegapingmouths，thestaringlustrelesseyes，fascinatedhim。Heknewinwhatstrangeheavenstheyweresuffering，andwhatdullhellswereteachingthemthesecretofsomenewjoy。Theywerebetteroffthanhewas。Hewasprisonedinthought。Memory，likeahorriblemalady，waseatinghissoulaway。FromtimetotimeheseemedtoseetheeyesofBasilHallwardlookingathim。Yethefelthecouldnotstay。ThepresenceofAdrianSingletontroubledhim。Hewantedtobewherenoonewouldknowwhohewas。Hewantedtoescapefromhimself。

　　Iamgoingontotheotherplace，hesaidafterapause。

　　Onthewharf？

　　Yes。

　　Thatmad-catissuretobethere。Theywon’thaveherinthisplacenow。

　　Dorianshruggedhisshoulders。Iamsickofwomenwholoveone。

　　Womenwhohateonearemuchmoreinteresting。Besides，thestuffisbetter。

　　Muchthesame。

　　Ilikeitbetter。Comeandhavesomethingtodrink。Imusthavesomething。

　　Idon’twantanything，murmuredtheyoungman。

　　Nevermind。

　　AdrianSingletonroseupwearilyandfollowedDoriantothebar。

　　Ahalf-caste，inaraggedturbanandashabbyulster，grinnedahideousgreetingashethrustabottleofbrandyandtwotumblersinfrontofthem。

　　Thewomensidledupandbegantochatter。DorianturnedhisbackonthemandsaidsomethinginalowvoicetoAdrianSingleton。

　　Acrookedsmile，likeaMalaycrease，writhedacrossthefaceofoneofthewomen。Weareveryproudto-night，shesneered。

　　ForGod’ssakedon’ttalktome，criedDorian，stampinghisfootontheground。Whatdoyouwant？Money？Hereitis。Don’tevertalktomeagain。

　　Tworedsparksflashedforamomentinthewoman’ssoddeneyes，thenflickeredoutandleftthemdullandglazed。Shetossedherheadandrakedthecoinsoffthecounterwithgreedyfingers。Hercompanionwatchedherenviously。

　　It’snouse，sighedAdrianSingleton。Idon’tcaretogoback。

　　Whatdoesitmatter？Iamquitehappyhere。

　　Youwillwritetomeifyouwantanything，won’tyou？saidDorian，afterapause。

　　Perhaps。

　　Goodnight，then。

　　Goodnight，answeredtheyoungman，passingupthestepsandwipinghisparchedmouthwithahandkerchief。

　　Dorianwalkedtothedoorwithalookofpaininhisface。Ashedrewthecurtainaside，ahideouslaughbrokefromthepaintedlipsofthewomanwhohadtakenhismoney。Theregoesthedevil’sbargain！

　　shehiccoughed，inahoarsevoice。

　　Curseyou！heanswered，don’tcallmethat。

　　Shesnappedherfingers。PrinceCharmingiswhatyouliketobecalled，ain’tit？sheyelledafterhim。

　　Thedrowsysailorleapedtohisfeetasshespoke，andlookedwildlyround。Thesoundoftheshuttingofthehalldoorfellonhisear。

　　Herushedoutasifinpursuit。

　　DorianGrayhurriedalongthequaythroughthedrizzlingrain。

　　HismeetingwithAdrianSingletonhadstrangelymovedhim，andhewonderediftheruinofthatyounglifewasreallytobelaidathisdoor，asBasilHallwardhadsaidtohimwithsuchinfamyofinsult。Hebithislip，andforafewsecondshiseyesgrewsad。Yet，afterall，whatdiditmattertohim？One’sdaysweretoobrieftotaketheburdenofanother’serrorsonone’sshoulders。Eachmanlivedhisownlifeandpaidhisownpriceforlivingit。Theonlypitywasonehadtopaysooftenforasinglefault。

　　Onehadtopayoverandoveragain，indeed。Inherdealingswithman，destinyneverclosedheraccounts。

　　Therearemoments，psychologiststellus，whenthepassionforsin，orforwhattheworldcallssin，sodominatesanaturethateveryfibreofthebody，aseverycellofthebrain，seemstobeinstinctwithfearfulimpulses。Menandwomenatsuchmomentslosethefreedomoftheirwill。Theymovetotheirterribleendasautomatonsmove。Choiceistakenfromthem，andconscienceiseitherkilled，or，ifitlivesatall，livesbuttogiverebellionitsfascinationanddisobedienceitscharm。Forallsins，astheologianswearynotofremindingus，aresinsofdisobedience。

　　Whenthathighspirit，thatmorningstarofevil，fellfromheaven，itwasasarebelthathefell。

　　Callous，concentratedonevil，withstainedmind，andsoulhungryforrebellion，DorianGrayhastenedon，quickeninghisstepashewent，butashedartedasideintoadimarchway，thathadservedhimoftenasashortcuttotheill-famedplacewherehewasgoing，hefelthimselfsuddenlyseizedfrombehind，andbeforebehadtimetodefendhimself，hewasthrustbackagainstthewall，withabrutalhandroundhisthroat。

　　Hestruggledmadlyforlife，andbyaterribleeffortwrenchedthetighteningfingersaway。Inasecondheheardtheclickofarevolver，andsawthegleamofapolishedbarrel，pointingstraightathishead，andtheduskyformofashort，thick-setmanfacinghim。

　　Whatdoyouwant？hegasped。

　　Keepquiet，saidtheman。Ifyoustir，Ishootyou。

　　Youaremad。WhathaveIdonetoyou？

　　YouwreckedthelifeofSibylVane，wastheanswer，andSibylVanewasmysister。Shekilledherself。Iknowit。Herdeathisatyourdoor。IsworeIwouldkillyouinreturn。ForyearsIhavesoughtyou。

　　Ihadnoclue，notrace。Thetwopeoplewhocouldhavedescribedyouweredead。Iknewnothingofyoubutthepetnamesheusedtocallyou。Ihearditto-nightbychance。MakeyourpeacewithGod，forto-nightyouaregoingtodie。

　　DorianGraygrewsickwithfear。Ineverknewher，hestammered。

　　Ineverheardofher。Youaremad。

　　Youhadbetterconfessyoursin，forassureasIamJamesVane，youaregoingtodie。Therewasahorriblemoment。Doriandidnotknowwhattosayordo。Downonyourknees！growledtheman。Igiveyouoneminutetomakeyourpeace——nomore。Igoonboardto-nightforIndia，andImustdomyjobfirst。Oneminute。That’sall。

　　Dorian’sarmsfelltohisside。Paralysedwithterror，hedidnotknowwhattodo。Suddenlyawildhopeflashedacrosshisbrain。Stop，

　　hecried。Howlongagoisitsinceyoursisterdied？Quick，tellme！

　　Eighteenyears，saidtheman。Whydoyouaskme？Whatdoyearsmatter？

　　Eighteenyears，laughedDorianGray，withatouchoftriumphinhisvoice。Eighteenyears！Setmeunderthelampandlookatmyface！

　　JamesVanehesitatedforamoment，notunderstandingwhatwasmeant。ThenheseizedDorianGrayanddraggedhimfromthearchway。

　　Dimandwaveringaswasthewind-blownlight，yetitservedtoshowhimthehideouserror，asitseemed，intowhichhehadfallen，forthefaceofthemanhehadsoughttokillhadallthebloomofboyhood，alltheunstainedpurityofyouth。Heseemedlittlemorethanaladoftwentysummers，hardlyolder，ifolderindeedatall，thanhissisterhadbeenwhentheyhadpartedsomanyyearsago。Itwasobviousthatthiswasnotthemanwhohaddestroyedherlife。

　　Heloosenedhisholdandreeledback。MyGod！myGod！hecried，andIwouldhavemurderedyou！

　　DorianGraydrewalongbreath。Youhavebeenonthebrinkofcommittingaterriblecrime，myman，hesaid，lookingathimsternly。

　　Letthisbeawarningtoyounottotakevengeanceintoyourownhands。

　　Forgiveme，sir，mutteredJamesVane。Iwasdeceived。AchancewordIheardinthatdamneddensetmeonthewrongtrack。

　　Youhadbettergohomeandputthatpistolaway，oryoumaygetintotrouble，saidDorian，turningonhisheelandgoingslowlydownthestreet。

　　JamesVanestoodonthepavementinhorror。Hewastremblingfromheadtofoot。Afteralittlewhile，ablackshadowthathadbeencreepingalongthedrippingwallmovedoutintothelightandcameclosetohimwithstealthyfootsteps。Hefeltahandlaidonhisarmandlookedroundwithastart。Itwasoneofthewomenwhohadbeendrinkingatthebar。

　　Whydidn’tyoukillhim？shehissedout，puttinghaggardfacequiteclosetohis。IknewyouwerefollowinghimwhenyourushedoutfromDaly’s。Youfool！Youshouldhavekilledhim。Hehaslotsofmoney，andhe’sasbadasbad。

　　HeisnotthemanIamlookingfor，heanswered，andIwantnoman’smoney。Iwantaman’slife。ThemanwhoselifeIwantmustbenearlyfortynow。Thisoneislittlemorethanaboy。ThankGod，Ihavenotgothisblooduponmyhands。

　　Thewomangaveabitterlaugh。Littlemorethanaboy！shesneered。

　　Why，man，it’snighoneighteenyearssincePrinceCharmingmademewhatIam。

　　Youlie！criedJamesVane。

　　Sheraisedherhanduptoheaven。BeforeGodIamtellingthetruth，shecried。

　　BeforeGod？

　　Strikemedumbifitain’tso。Heistheworstonethatcomeshere。Theysayhehassoldhimselftothedevilforaprettyface。It’snighoneighteenyearssinceImethim。Hehasn’tchangedmuchsincethen。

　　Ihave，though，sheadded，withasicklyleer。

　　Youswearthis？

　　Iswearit，cameinhoarseechofromherflatmouth。Butdon’tgivemeawaytohim，shewhined。Iamafraidofhim。Letmehavesomemoneyformynight’slodging。

　　Hebrokefromherwithanoathandrushedtothecornerofthestreet，butDorianGrayhaddisappeared。Whenhelookedback，thewomanhadvanishedalso。

　　ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter17Chapter17AweeklaterDorianGraywassittingintheconservatoryatSelbyRoyal，talkingtotheprettyDuchessofMonmouth，whowithherhusband，ajaded-lookingmanofsixty，wasamongsthisguests。Itwastea-time，andthemellowlightofthehuge，lace-coveredlampthatstoodonthetablelitupthedelicatechinaandhammeredsilveroftheserviceatwhichtheduchesswaspresiding。

　　Herwhitehandsweremovingdaintilyamongthecups，andherfullredlipsweresmilingatsomethingthatDorianhadwhisperedtoher。LordHenrywaslyingbackinasilk-drapedwickerchair，lookingatthem。Onapeach-coloureddivansatLadyNarborough，pretendingtolistentotheduke’sdescriptionofthelastBrazilianbeetlethathehadaddedtohiscollection。Threeyoungmeninelaboratesmoking-suitswerehandingtea-cakestosomeofthewomen。Thehouse-partyconsistedoftwelvepeople，andthereweremoreexpectedtoarriveonthenextday。