Suddenlyshefelttheneedtospeak。Thewordysilencetroubledher。Mother，Mother，shecried，whydoeshelovemesomuch？IknowwhyIlovehim。Ilovehimbecauseheislikewhatlovehimselfshouldbe。Butwhatdoesheseeinme？Iamnotworthyofhim。Andyet——why，I
cannottell——thoughIfeelsomuchbeneathhim，Idon’tfeelhumble。I
feelproud，terriblyproud。Mother，didyoulovemyfatherasIlovePrinceCharming？
Theelderwomangrewpalebeneaththecoarsepowderthatdaubedhercheeks，andherdrylipstwitchedwithaspasmofpain。Sybilrushedtoher，flungherarmsroundherneck，andkissedher。Forgiveme，Mother。
Iknowitpainsyoutotalkaboutourfather。Butitonlypainsyoubecauseyoulovedhimsomuch。Don’tlooksosad。Iamashappyto-dayasyouweretwentyyearsago。Ah！letmebehappyforever！
Mychild，youarefartooyoungtothinkoffallinginlove。
Besides，whatdoyouknowofthisyoungman？Youdon’tevenknowhisname。
Thewholethingismostinconvenient，andreally，whenJamesisgoingawaytoAustralia，andIhavesomuchtothinkof，Imustsaythatyoushouldhaveshownmoreconsideration。However，asIsaidbefore，ifheisrich……
Ah！Mother，Mother，letmebehappy！
Mrs。Vaneglancedather，andwithoneofthosefalsetheatricalgesturesthatsooftenbecomeamodeofsecondnaturetoastage-player，claspedherinherarms。Atthismoment，thedooropenedandayoungladwithroughbrownhaircameintotheroom。Hewasthick-setoffigure，andhishandsandfeetwerelargeandsomewhatclumsyinmovement。Hewasnotsofinelybredashissister。Onewouldhardlyhaveguessedthecloserelationshipthatexistedbetweenthem。Mrs。Vanefixedhereyesonhimandintensifiedhersmile。Shementallyelevatedhersontothedignityofanaudience。
Shefeltsurethatthetableauwasinteresting。
Youmightkeepsomeofyourkissesforme，Sibyl，Ithink，saidtheladwithagood-naturedgrumble。
Ah！butyoudon’tlikebeingkissed，Jim，shecried。Youareadreadfuloldbear。Andsheranacrosstheroomandhuggedhim。
JamesVanelookedintohissister’sfacewithtenderness。Iwantyoutocomeoutwithmeforawalk，Sibyl。Idon’tsupposeIshalleverseethishorridLondonagain。IamsureIdon’twantto。
Myson，don’tsaysuchdreadfulthings，murmuredMrs。Vane，takingupatawdrytheatricaldress，withasigh，andbeginningtopatchit。Shefeltalittledisappointedthathehadnotjoinedthegroup。Itwouldhaveincreasedthetheatricalpicturesquenessofthesituation。
Whynot，Mother？Imeanit。
Youpainme，myson。ItrustyouwillreturnfromAustraliainapositionofaffluence。IbelievethereisnosocietyofanykindintheColonies——nothingthatIwouldcallsociety——sowhenyouhavemadeyourfortune，youmustcomebackandassertyourselfinLondon。
Society！mutteredthelad。Idon’twanttoknowanythingaboutthat。IshouldliketomakesomemoneytotakeyouandSibyloffthestage。
Ihateit。
Oh，Jim！saidSibyl，laughing，howunkindofyou！Butareyoureallygoingforawalkwithme？Thatwillbenice！Iwasafraidyouweregoingtosaygood-byetosomeofyourfriends——toTomHardy，whogaveyouthathideouspipe，orNedLangton，whomakesfunofyouforsmokingit。Itisverysweetofyoutoletmehaveyourlastafternoon。Whereshallwego？Letusgotothepark。
Iamtooshabby，heanswered，frowning。Onlyswellpeoplegotothepark。
Nonsense，Jim，shewhispered，strokingthesleeveofhiscoat。
Hehesitatedforamoment。Verywell，hesaidatlast，butdon’tbetoolongdressing。Shedancedoutofthedoor。Onecouldhearhersingingassheranupstairs。Herlittlefeetpatteredoverhead。
Hewalkedupanddowntheroomtwoorthreetimes。Thenheturnedtothestillfigureinthechair。Mother，aremythingsready？heasked。
Quiteready，James，sheanswered，keepinghereyesonherwork。
Forsomemonthspastshehadfeltillateasewhenshewasalonewiththisroughsternsonofhers。Hershallowsecretnaturewastroubledwhentheireyesmet。Sheusedtowonderifhesuspectedanything。Thesilence，forhemadenootherobservation，becameintolerabletoher。Shebegantocomplain。
Womendefendthemselvesbyattacking，justastheyattackbysuddenandstrangesurrenders。Ihopeyouwillbecontented，James，withyoursea-faringlife，shesaid。Youmustrememberthatitisyourownchoice。Youmighthaveenteredasolicitor’soffice。Solicitorsareaveryrespectableclass，andinthecountryoftendinewiththebestfamilies。
Ihateoffices，andIhateclerks，hereplied。Butyouarequiteright。Ihavechosenmyownlife。AllIsayis，watchoverSibyl。
Don’tlethercometoanyharm。Mother，youmustwatchoverher。
James，youreallytalkverystrangely。OfcourseIwatchoverSibyl。
Ihearagentlemancomeseverynighttothetheatreandgoesbehindtotalktoher。Isthatright？Whataboutthat？
Youarespeakingaboutthingsyoudon’tunderstand，James。Intheprofessionweareaccustomedtoreceiveagreatdealofmostgratifyingattention。Imyselfusedtoreceivemanybouquetsatonetime。Thatwaswhenactingwasreallyunderstood。AsforSibyl，Idonotknowatpresentwhetherherattachmentisseriousornot。Butthereisnodoubtthattheyoungmaninquestionisaperfectgentleman。Heisalwaysmostpolitetome。Besides，hehastheappearanceofbeingrich，andtheflowershesendsarelovely。
Youdon’tknowhisname，though，saidtheladharshly。
No，answeredhismotherwithaplacidexpressioninherface。
Hehasnotyetrevealedhisrealname。Ithinkitisquiteromanticofhim。Heisprobablyamemberofthearistocracy。
JamesVanebithislip。WatchoverSibyl，Mother，hecried，watchoverher。
Myson，youdistressmeverymuch。Sibylisalwaysundermyspecialcare。Ofcourse，ifthisgentlemaniswealthy，thereisnoreasonwhysheshouldnotcontractanalliancewithhim。Itrustheisoneofthearistocracy。
Hehasalltheappearanceofit，Imustsay。ItmightbeamostbrilliantmarriageforSibyl。Theywouldmakeacharmingcouple。Hisgoodlooksarereallyquiteremarkable。everybodynoticesthem。
Theladmutteredsomethingtohimselfanddrummedonthewindow-panewithhiscoarsefingers。HehadjustturnedroundtosaysomethingwhenthedooropenedandSibylranin。
Howseriousyoubothare！shecried。Whatisthematter？
Nothing，heanswered。Isupposeonemustbeserioussometimes。
Good-bye，Mother。Iwillhavemydinneratfiveo’clock。Everythingispacked，exceptmyshirts，soyouneednottrouble。
Good-bye，myson，sheansweredwithabowofstrainedstateliness。
Shewasextremelyannoyedatthetonehehadadoptedwithher，andtherewassomethinginhislookthathadmadeherfeelafraid。
Kissme，Mother，saidthegirl。Herflowerlikelipstouchedthewitheredcheekandwarmeditsfrost。
Mychild！mychild！criedMrs。Vane，lookinguptotheceilinginsearchofanimaginarygallery。
Come，Sibyl，saidherbrotherimpatiently。Hehatedhismother’saffectations。
Theywentoutintotheflickering，wind-blownsunlightandstrolleddownthedrearyEustonRoad。Thepassersbyglancedinwonderatthesullenheavyyouthwho，incoarse，ill-fittingclothes，wasinthecompanyofsuchagraceful，refined-lookinggirl。Hewaslikeacommongardenerwalkingwitharose。
Jimfrownedfromtimetotimewhenhecaughttheinquisitiveglanceofsomestranger。Hehadthatdislikeofbeingstaredat，whichcomesongeniuseslateinlifeandneverleavesthecommonplace。Sibyl，however，wasquiteunconsciousoftheeffectshewasproducing。Herlovewastremblinginlaughteronherlips。ShewasthinkingofPrinceCharming，and，thatshemightthinkofhimallthemore，shedidnottalkofhim，butprattledonabouttheshipinwhichJimwasgoingtosail，aboutthegoldhewascertaintofind，aboutthewonderfulheiresswhoselifehewastosavefromthewicked，red-shirtedbushrangers。Forhewasnottoremainasailor，orasupercargo，orwhateverhewasgoingtobe。Oh，no！Asailor’sexistencewasdreadful。Fancybeingcoopedupinahorridship，withthehoarse，hump-backedwavestryingtogetin，andablackwindblowingthemastsdownandtearingthesailsintolongscreamingribands！HewastoleavethevesselatMelbourne，bidapolitegood-byetothecaptain，andgooffatoncetothegold-fields。Beforeaweekwasoverhewastocomeacrossalargenuggetofpuregold，thelargestnuggetthathadeverbeendiscovered，andbringitdowntothecoastinawaggonguardedbysixmountedpolicemen。
Thebushrangersweretoattackthemthreetimes，andbedefeatedwithimmenseslaughter。Or，no。Hewasnottogotothegold-fieldsatall。Theywerehorridplaces，wheremengotintoxicated，andshoteachotherinbar-rooms，andusedbadlanguage。Hewastobeanicesheep-farmer，andoneevening，ashewasridinghome，hewastoseethebeautifulheiressbeingcarriedoffbyarobberonablackhorse，andgivechase，andrescueher。Ofcourse，shewouldfallinlovewithhim，andhewithher，andtheywouldgetmarried，andcomehome，andliveinanimmensehouseinLondon。Yes，thereweredelightfulthingsinstoreforhim。Buthemustbeverygood，andnotlosehistemper，orspendhismoneyfoolishly。Shewasonlyayearolderthanhewas，butsheknewsomuchmoreoflife。Hemustbesure，also，towritetoherbyeverymail，andtosayhisprayerseachnightbeforehewenttosleep。Godwasverygood，andwouldwatchoverhim。Shewouldprayforhim，too，andinafewyearshewouldcomebackquiterichandhappy。
Theladlistenedsulkilytoherandmadenoanswer。Hewasheart-sickatleavinghome。
Yetitwasnotthisalonethatmadehimgloomyandmorose。Inexperiencedthoughhewas，hehadstillastrongsenseofthedangerofSibyl’sposition。
Thisyoungdandywhowasmakinglovetohercouldmeanhernogood。Hewasagentleman，andhehatedhimforthat，hatedhimthroughsomecuriousrace-instinctforwhichhecouldnotaccount，andwhichforthatreasonwasallthemoredominantwithinhim。Hewasconsciousalsooftheshallownessandvanityofhismother’snature，andinthatsawinfiniteperilforSibylandSibyl’shappiness。Childrenbeginbylovingtheirparents。astheygrowoldertheyjudgethem。sometimestheyforgivethem。
Hismother！Hehadsomethingonhismindtoaskofher，somethingthathehadbroodedonformanymonthsofsilence。Achancephrasethathehadheardatthetheatre，awhisperedsneerthathadreachedhisearsonenightashewaitedatthestage-door，hadsetlooseatrainofhorriblethoughts。Heremembereditasifithadbeenthelashofahunting-cropacrosshisface。Hisbrowsknittogetherintoawedgelikefurrow，andwithatwitchofpainhebithisunderlip。
YouarenotlisteningtoawordIamsaying，Jim，criedSibyl，andIammakingthemostdelightfulplansforyourfuture。Dosaysomething。
Whatdoyouwantmetosay？
Oh！thatyouwillbeagoodboyandnotforgetus，sheanswered，smilingathim。
Heshruggedhisshoulders。YouaremorelikelytoforgetmethanIamtoforgetyou，Sibyl。
Sheflushed。Whatdoyoumean，Jim？sheasked。
Youhaveanewfriend，Ihear。Whoishe？Whyhaveyounottoldmeabouthim？Hemeansyounogood。
Stop，Jim！sheexclaimed。Youmustnotsayanythingagainsthim。Ilovehim。
Why，youdon’tevenknowhisname，answeredthelad。Whoishe？Ihavearighttoknow。
HeiscalledPrinceCharming。Don’tyoulikethename。Oh！yousillyboy！youshouldneverforgetit。Ifyouonlysawhim，youwouldthinkhimthemostwonderfulpersonintheworld。Somedayyouwillmeethim——whenyoucomebackfromAustralia。Youwilllikehimsomuch。Everybodylikeshim，andI……lovehim。Iwishyoucouldcometothetheatreto-night。
Heisgoingtobethere，andIamtoplayJuliet。Oh！howIshallplayit！Fancy，Jim，tobeinloveandplayJuliet！Tohavehimsittingthere！
Toplayforhisdelight！IamafraidImayfrightenthecompany，frightenorenthrallthem。Tobeinloveistosurpassone’sself。PoordreadfulMr。Isaacswillbeshouting’genius’tohisloafersatthebar。Hehaspreachedmeasadogma。to-nighthewillannouncemeasarevelation。I
feelit。Anditisallhis，hisonly，PrinceCharming，mywonderfullover，mygodofgraces。ButIampoorbesidehim。Poor？Whatdoesthatmatter？
Whenpovertycreepsinatthedoor，lovefliesinthroughthewindow。Ourproverbswantrewriting。Theyweremadeinwinter，anditissummernow。
spring-timeforme，Ithink，averydanceofblossomsinblueskies。
Heisagentleman，saidtheladsullenly。
Aprince！shecriedmusically。Whatmoredoyouwant？
Hewantstoenslaveyou。
Ishudderatthethoughtofbeingfree。
Iwantyoutobewareofhim。
Toseehimistoworshiphim。toknowhimistotrusthim。
Sibyl，youaremadabouthim。
Shelaughedandtookhisarm。YoudearoldJim，youtalkasifyouwereahundred。Somedayyouwillbeinloveyourself。Thenyouwillknowwhatitis。Don’tlooksosulky。Surelyyoushouldbegladtothinkthat，thoughyouaregoingaway，youleavemehappierthanIhaveeverbeenbefore。Lifehasbeenhardforusboth，terriblyhardanddifficult。
Butitwillbedifferentnow。Youaregoingtoanewworld，andIhavefoundone。Herearetwochairs。letussitdownandseethesmartpeoplegoby。
Theytooktheirseatsamidstacrowdofwatchers。Thetulip-bedsacrosstheroadflamedlikethrobbingringsoffire。Awhitedust——tremulouscloudoforris-rootitseemed——hunginthepantingair。Thebrightlycolouredparasolsdancedanddippedlikemonstrousbutterflies。
Shemadeherbrothertalkofhimself，hishopes，hisprospects。
Hespokeslowlyandwitheffort。Theypassedwordstoeachotherasplayersatagamepasscounters。Sibylfeltoppressed。Shecouldnotcommunicateherjoy。Afaintsmilecurvingthatsullenmouthwasalltheechoshecouldwin。Aftersometimeshebecamesilent。Suddenlyshecaughtaglimpseofgoldenhairandlaughinglips，andinanopencarriagewithtwoladiesDorianGraydrovepast。
Shestartedtoherfeet。Thereheis！shecried。
Who？saidJimVane。
PrinceCharming，sheanswered，lookingafterthevictoria。
Hejumpedupandseizedherroughlybythearm。Showhimtome。
Whichishe？Pointhimout。Imustseehim！heexclaimed。butatthatmomenttheDukeofBerwick’sfour-in-handcamebetween，andwhenithadleftthespaceclear，thecarriagehadsweptoutofthepark。
Heisgone，murmuredSibylsadly。Iwishyouhadseenhim。
IwishIhad，forassureasthereisaGodinheaven，ifheeverdoesyouanywrong，Ishallkillhim。
Shelookedathiminhorror。Herepeatedhiswords。Theycuttheairlikeadagger。Thepeopleroundbegantogape。Aladystandingclosetohertittered。
Comeaway，Jim。comeaway，shewhispered。Hefollowedherdoggedlyasshepassedthroughthecrowd。Hefeltgladatwhathehadsaid。
WhentheyreachedtheAchillesStatue，sheturnedround。Therewaspityinhereyesthatbecamelaughteronherlips。Sheshookherheadathim。Youarefoolish，Jim，utterlyfoolish。abad-temperedboy，thatisall。Howcanyousaysuchhorriblethings？Youdon’tknowwhatyouaretalkingabout。Youaresimplyjealousandunkind。Ah！Iwishyouwouldfallinlove。Lovemakespeoplegood，andwhatyousaidwaswicked。
Iamsixteen，heanswered，andIknowwhatIamabout。Motherisnohelptoyou。Shedoesn’tunderstandhowtolookafteryou。IwishnowthatIwasnotgoingtoAustraliaatall。Ihaveagreatmindtochuckthewholethingup。Iwould，ifmyarticleshadn’tbeensigned。
Oh，don’tbesoserious，Jim。YouarelikeoneoftheheroesofthosesillymelodramasMotherusedtobesofondofactingin。Iamnotgoingtoquarrelwithyou。Ihaveseenhim，andoh！toseehimisperfecthappiness。Wewon’tquarrel。IknowyouwouldneverharmanyoneIlove，wouldyou？
Notaslongasyoulovehim，Isuppose，wasthesullenanswer。
Ishalllovehimforever！shecried。
Andhe？
Forever，too！
Hehadbetter。
Sheshrankfromhim。Thenshelaughedandputherhandonhisarm。Hewasmerelyaboy。
AttheMarbleArchtheyhailedanomnibus，whichleftthemclosetotheirshabbyhomeintheEustonRoad。Itwasafterfiveo’clock，andSibylhadtoliedownforacoupleofhoursbeforeacting。Jiminsistedthatsheshoulddoso。Hesaidthathewouldsoonerpartwithherwhentheirmotherwasnotpresent。Shewouldbesuretomakeascene，andhedetestedscenesofeverykind。
InSybil’sownroomtheyparted。Therewasjealousyinthelad’sheart，andafiercemurderoushatredofthestrangerwho，asitseemedtohim，hadcomebetweenthem。Yet，whenherarmswereflungroundhisneck，andherfingersstrayedthroughhishair，hesoftenedandkissedherwithrealaffection。Thereweretearsinhiseyesashewentdownstairs。
Hismotherwaswaitingforhimbelow。Shegrumbledathisunpunctuality，asheentered。Hemadenoanswer，butsatdowntohismeagremeal。Thefliesbuzzedroundthetableandcrawledoverthestainedcloth。Throughtherumbleofomnibuses，andtheclatterofstreet-cabs，hecouldhearthedroningvoicedevouringeachminutethatwaslefttohim。
Aftersometime，hethrustawayhisplateandputhisheadinhishands。Hefeltthathehadarighttoknow。Itshouldhavebeentoldtohimbefore，ifitwasashesuspected。Leadenwithfear，hismotherwatchedhim。Wordsdroppedmechanicallyfromherlips。Atatteredlacehandkerchieftwitchedinherfingers。Whentheclockstrucksix，hegotupandwenttothedoor。Thenheturnedbackandlookedather。Theireyesmet。Inhershesawawildappealformercy。Itenragedhim。
Mother，Ihavesomethingtoaskyou，hesaid。Hereyeswanderedvaguelyabouttheroom。Shemadenoanswer。Tellmethetruth。Ihavearighttoknow。Wereyoumarriedtomyfather？
Sheheavedadeepsigh。Itwasasighofrelief。Theterriblemoment，themomentthatnightandday，forweeksandmonths，shehaddreaded，hadcomeatlast，andyetshefeltnoterror。Indeed，insomemeasureitwasadisappointmenttoher。Thevulgardirectnessofthequestioncalledforadirectanswer。Thesituationhadnotbeengraduallyledupto。Itwascrude。Itremindedherofabadrehearsal。
No，sheanswered，wonderingattheharshsimplicityoflife。
Myfatherwasascoundrelthen！criedthelad，clenchinghisfists。
Sheshookherhead。Iknewhewasnotfree。Welovedeachotherverymuch。Ifhehadlived，hewouldhavemadeprovisionforus。Don’tspeakagainsthim，myson。Hewasyourfather，andagentleman。Indeed，hewashighlyconnected。
Anoathbrokefromhislips。Idon’tcareformyself，heexclaimed，butdon’tletSibyl……Itisagentleman，isn’tit，whoisinlovewithher，orsaysheis？Highlyconnected，too，Isuppose。
Foramomentahideoussenseofhumiliationcameoverthewoman。
Herheaddrooped。Shewipedhereyeswithshakinghands。Sibylhasamother，
shemurmured。Ihadnone。
Theladwastouched。Hewenttowardsher，andstoopingdown，hekissedher。IamsorryifIhavepainedyoubyaskingaboutmyfather，
hesaid，butIcouldnothelpit。Imustgonow。Good-bye。Don’tforgetthatyouwillhaveonlyonechildnowtolookafter，andbelievemethatifthismanwrongsmysister，Iwillfindoutwhoheis，trackhimdown，andkillhimlikeadog。Iswearit。
Theexaggeratedfollyofthethreat，thepassionategesturethataccompaniedit，themadmelodramaticwords，madelifeseemmorevividtoher。Shewasfamiliarwiththeatmosphere。Shebreathedmorefreely，andforthefirsttimeformanymonthsshereallyadmiredherson。Shewouldhavelikedtohavecontinuedthesceneonthesameemotionalscale，buthecuthershort。Trunkshadtobecarrieddownandmufflerslookedfor。
Thelodging-housedrudgebustledinandout。Therewasthebargainingwiththecabman。Themomentwaslostinvulgardetails。Itwaswitharenewedfeelingofdisappointmentthatshewavedthetatteredlacehandkerchieffromthewindow，ashersondroveaway。Shewasconsciousthatagreatopportunityhadbeenwasted。SheconsoledherselfbytellingSibylhowdesolateshefeltherlifewouldbe，nowthatshehadonlyonechildtolookafter。Sherememberedthephrase。Ithadpleasedher。Ofthethreatshesaidnothing。Itwasvividlyanddramaticallyexpressed。Shefeltthattheywouldalllaughatitsomeday。
ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter6Chapter6Isupposeyouhaveheardthenews，Basil？saidLordHenrythateveningasHallwardwasshownintoalittleprivateroomattheBristolwheredinnerhadbeenlaidforthree。
No，Harry，answeredtheartist，givinghishatandcoattothebowingwaiter。Whatisit？Nothingaboutpolitics，Ihope！Theydon’tinterestme。ThereishardlyasinglepersonintheHouseofCommonsworthpainting，thoughmanyofthemwouldbethebetterforalittlewhitewashing。
DorianGrayisengagedtobemarried，saidLordHenry，watchinghimashespoke。
Hallwardstartedandthenfrowned。Dorianengagedtobemarried！
hecried。Impossible！
Itisperfectlytrue。
Towhom？
Tosomelittleactressorother。
Ican’tbelieveit。Dorianisfartoosensible。
Dorianisfartoowisenottodofoolishthingsnowandthen，mydearBasil。
Marriageishardlyathingthatonecandonowandthen，Harry。
ExceptinAmerica，rejoinedLordHenrylanguidly。ButIdidn’tsayhewasmarried。Isaidhewasengagedtobemarried。Thereisagreatdifference。Ihaveadistinctremembranceofbeingmarried，butIhavenorecollectionatallofbeingengaged。IaminclinedtothinkthatI
neverwasengaged。
ButthinkofDorian’sbirth，andposition，andwealth。Itwouldbeabsurdforhimtomarrysomuchbeneathhim。
Ifyouwanttomakehimmarrythisgirl，tellhimthat，Basil。
Heissuretodoit，then。Wheneveramandoesathoroughlystupidthing，itisalwaysfromthenoblestmotives。
Ihopethegirlisgood，Harry。Idon’twanttoseeDoriantiedtosomevilecreature，whomightdegradehisnatureandruinhisintellect。
Oh，sheisbetterthangood——sheisbeautiful，murmuredLordHenry，sippingaglassofvermouthandorange-bitters。Doriansayssheisbeautiful，andheisnotoftenwrongaboutthingsofthatkind。Yourportraitofhimhasquickenedhisappreciationofthepersonalappearanceofotherpeople。Ithashadthatexcellenteffect，amongstothers。Wearetoseeherto-night，ifthatboydoesn’tforgethisappointment。
Areyouserious？
Quiteserious，Basil。IshouldbemiserableifIthoughtIshouldeverbemoreseriousthanIamatthepresentmoment。
Butdoyouapproveofit，Harry？askedthepainter，walkingupanddowntheroomandbitinghislip。Youcan’tapproveofit，possibly。
Itissomesillyinfatuation。
Ineverapprove，ordisapprove，ofanythingnow。Itisanabsurdattitudetotaketowardslife。Wearenotsentintotheworldtoairourmoralprejudices。Inevertakeanynoticeofwhatcommonpeoplesay，andIneverinterferewithwhatcharmingpeopledo。Ifapersonalityfascinatesme，whatevermodeofexpressionthatpersonalityselectsisabsolutelydelightfultome。DorianGrayfallsinlovewithabeautifulgirlwhoactsJuliet，andproposestomarryher。Whynot？IfheweddedMessalina，hewouldbenonethelessinteresting。YouknowIamnotachampionofmarriage。
Therealdrawbacktomarriageisthatitmakesoneunselfish。Andunselfishpeoplearecolourless。Theylackindividuality。Still，therearecertaintemperamentsthatmarriagemakesmorecomplex。Theyretaintheiregotism，andaddtoitmanyotheregos。Theyareforcedtohavemorethanonelife。
Theybecomemorehighlyorganized，andtobehighlyorganizedis，Ishouldfancy，theobjectofman’sexistence。Besides，everyexperienceisofvalue，andwhateveronemaysayagainstmarriage，itiscertainlyanexperience。
IhopethatDorianGraywillmakethisgirlhiswife，passionatelyadoreherforsixmonths，andthensuddenlybecomefascinatedbysomeoneelse。
Hewouldbeawonderfulstudy。
Youdon’tmeanasinglewordofallthat，Harry。youknowyoudon’t。IfDorianGray’slifewerespoiled，noonewouldbesorrierthanyourself。Youaremuchbetterthanyoupretendtobe。
LordHenrylaughed。Thereasonweallliketothinksowellofothersisthatweareallafraidforourselves。Thebasisofoptimismissheerterror。Wethinkthatwearegenerousbecausewecreditourneighbourwiththepossessionofthosevirtuesthatarelikelytobeabenefittous。Wepraisethebankerthatwemayoverdrawouraccount，andfindgoodqualitiesinthehighwaymaninthehopethathemayspareourpockets。
ImeaneverythingthatIhavesaid。Ihavethegreatestcontemptforoptimism。
Asforaspoiledlife，nolifeisspoiledbutonewhosegrowthisarrested。
Ifyouwanttomaranature，youhavemerelytoreformit。Asformarriage，ofcoursethatwouldbesilly，butthereareotherandmoreinterestingbondsbetweenmenandwomen。Iwillcertainlyencouragethem。Theyhavethecharmofbeingfashionable。ButhereisDorianhimself。HewilltellyoumorethanIcan。
MydearHarry，mydearBasil，youmustbothcongratulateme！
saidthelad，throwingoffhiseveningcapewithitssatin-linedwingsandshakingeachofhisfriendsbythehandinturn。Ihaveneverbeensohappy。Ofcourse，itissudden——allreallydelightfulthingsare。AndyetitseemstometobetheonethingIhavebeenlookingforallmylife。
Hewasflushedwithexcitementandpleasure，andlookedextraordinarilyhandsome。
Ihopeyouwillalwaysbeveryhappy，Dorian，saidHallward，butIdon’tquiteforgiveyoufornothavingletmeknowofyourengagement。
YouletHarryknow。
AndIdon’tforgiveyouforbeinglatefordinner，brokeinLordHenry，puttinghishandonthelad’sshoulderandsmilingashespoke。
Come，letussitdownandtrywhatthenewchefhereislike，andthenyouwilltellushowitallcameabout。
Thereisreallynotmuchtotell，criedDorianastheytooktheirseatsatthesmallroundtable。Whathappenedwassimplythis。AfterIleftyouyesterdayevening，Harry，Idressed，hadsomedinneratthatlittleItalianrestaurantinRupertStreetyouintroducedmeto，andwentdownateighto’clocktothetheatre。SibylwasplayingRosalind。Ofcourse，thescenerywasdreadfulandtheOrlandoabsurd。ButSibyl！Youshouldhaveseenher！Whenshecameoninherboy’sclothes，shewasperfectlywonderful。Sheworeamoss-colouredvelvetjerkinwithcinnamonsleeves，slim，brown，cross-garteredhose，adaintylittlegreencapwithahawk’sfeathercaughtinajewel，andahoodedcloaklinedwithdullred。Shehadneverseemedtomemoreexquisite。ShehadallthedelicategraceofthatTanagrafigurinethatyouhaveinyourstudio，Basil。Herhairclusteredroundherfacelikedarkleavesroundapalerose。Asforheracting——well，youshallseeherto-night。Sheissimplyabornartist。Isatinthedingyboxabsolutelyenthralled。IforgotthatIwasinLondonandinthenineteenthcentury。Iwasawaywithmyloveinaforestthatnomanhadeverseen。
Aftertheperformancewasover，Iwentbehindandspoketoher。Asweweresittingtogether，suddenlytherecameintohereyesalookthatIhadneverseentherebefore。Mylipsmovedtowardshers。Wekissedeachother。I
can’tdescribetoyouwhatIfeltatthatmoment。Itseemedtomethatallmylifehadbeennarrowedtooneperfectpointofrose-colouredjoy。
Shetrembledalloverandshooklikeawhitenarcissus。Thensheflungherselfonherkneesandkissedmyhands。IfeelthatIshouldnottellyouallthis，butIcan’thelpit。Ofcourse，ourengagementisadeadsecret。Shehasnoteventoldherownmother。Idon’tknowwhatmyguardianswillsay。LordRadleyissuretobefurious。Idon’tcare。Ishallbeofageinlessthanayear，andthenIcandowhatIlike。Ihavebeenright，Basil，haven’tI，totakemyloveoutofpoetryandtofindmywifeinShakespeare’splays？LipsthatShakespearetaughttospeakhavewhisperedtheirsecretinmyear。IhavehadthearmsofRosalindaroundme，andkissedJulietonthemouth。
Yes，Dorian，Isupposeyouwereright，saidHallwardslowly。
Haveyouseenherto-day？askedLordHenry。
DorianGrayshookhishead。IleftherintheforestofArden。
IshallfindherinanorchardinVerona。
LordHenrysippedhischampagneinameditativemanner。Atwhatparticularpointdidyoumentionthewordmarriage，Dorian？Andwhatdidshesayinanswer？Perhapsyouforgotallaboutit。
MydearHarry，Ididnottreatitasabusinesstransaction，andIdidnotmakeanyformalproposal。ItoldherthatIlovedher，andshesaidshewasnotworthytobemywife。Notworthy！Why，thewholeworldisnothingtomecomparedwithher。
Womenarewonderfullypractical，murmuredLordHenry，muchmorepracticalthanweare。Insituationsofthatkindweoftenforgettosayanythingaboutmarriage，andtheyalwaysremindus。
Hallwardlaidhishanduponhisarm。Don’t，Harry。YouhaveannoyedDorian。Heisnotlikeothermen。Hewouldneverbringmiseryuponanyone。Hisnatureistoofineforthat。
LordHenrylookedacrossthetable。Dorianisneverannoyedwithme，beanswered。Iaskedthequestionforthebestreasonpossible，fortheonlyreason，indeed，thatexcusesoneforaskinganyquestion——simplecuriosity。Ihaveatheorythatitisalwaysthewomenwhoproposetous，andnotwewhoproposetothewomen。Except，ofcourse，inmiddle-classlife。Butthenthemiddleclassesarenotmodern。
DorianGraylaughed，andtossedhishead。Youarequiteincorrigible，Harry。butIdon’tmind。Itisimpossibletobeangrywithyou。WhenyouseeSibylVane，youwillfeelthatthemanwhocouldwrongherwouldbeabeast，abeastwithoutaheart。Icannotunderstandhowanyonecanwishtoshamethethingheloves。IloveSibylVane。Iwanttoplaceheronapedestalofgoldandtoseetheworldworshipthewomanwhoismine。
Whatismarriage？Anirrevocablevow。Youmockatitforthat。Ah！don’tmock。ItisanirrevocablevowthatIwanttotake。Hertrustmakesmefaithful，herbeliefmakesmegood。WhenIamwithher，Iregretallthatyouhavetaughtme。Ibecomedifferentfromwhatyouhaveknownmetobe。
Iamchanged，andthemeretouchofSibylVane’shandmakesmeforgetyouandallyourwrong，fascinating，poisonous，delightfultheories。
Andthoseare……？askedLordHenry，helpinghimselftosomesalad。
Oh，yourtheoriesaboutlife，yourtheoriesaboutlove，yourtheoriesaboutpleasure。Allyourtheories，infact，Harry。
Pleasureistheonlythingworthhavingatheoryabout，heansweredinhisslowmelodiousvoice。ButIamafraidIcannotclaimmytheoryasmyown。ItbelongstoNature，nottome。PleasureisNature’stest，hersignofapproval。Whenwearehappy，wearealwaysgood，butwhenwearegood，wearenotalwayshappy。
Ah！butwhatdoyoumeanbygood？criedBasilHallward。
Yes，echoedDorian，leaningbackinhischairandlookingatLordHenryovertheheavyclustersofpurple-lippedirisesthatstoodinthecentreofthetable，whatdoyoumeanbygood，Harry？
Tobegoodistobeinharmonywithone’sself，hereplied，touchingthethinstemofhisglasswithhispale，fine-pointedfingers。
Discordistobeforcedtobeinharmonywithothers。One’sownlife——thatistheimportantthing。Asforthelivesofone’sneighbours，ifonewishestobeaprigoraPuritan，onecanflauntone’smoralviewsaboutthem，buttheyarenotone’sconcern。Besides，individualismhasreallythehigheraim。Modernmoralityconsistsinacceptingthestandardofone’sage。I
considerthatforanymanofculturetoacceptthestandardofhisageisaformofthegrossestimmorality。
But，surely，ifonelivesmerelyforone’sself，Harry，onepaysaterriblepricefordoingso？suggestedthepainter。
Yes，weareoverchargedforeverythingnowadays。Ishouldfancythattherealtragedyofthepooristhattheycanaffordnothingbutself-denial。
Beautifulsins，likebeautifulthings，aretheprivilegeoftherich。
Onehastopayinotherwaysbutmoney。
Whatsortofways，Basil？
Oh！Ishouldfancyinremorse，insuffering，in……well，intheconsciousnessofdegradation。
LordHenryshruggedhisshoulders。Mydearfellow，mediaevalartischarming，butmediaevalemotionsareoutofdate。Onecanusetheminfiction，ofcourse。Butthentheonlythingsthatonecanuseinfictionarethethingsthatonehasceasedtouseinfact。Believeme，nocivilizedmaneverregretsapleasure，andnouncivilizedmaneverknowswhatapleasureis。
Iknowwhatpleasureis，criedDorianGray。Itistoadoresomeone。
Thatiscertainlybetterthanbeingadored，heanswered，toyingwithsomefruits。Beingadoredisanuisance。Womentreatusjustashumanitytreatsitsgods。Theyworshipus，andarealwaysbotheringustodosomethingforthem。
Ishouldhavesaidthatwhatevertheyaskfortheyhadfirstgiventous，murmuredtheladgravely。Theycreateloveinournatures。
Theyhavearighttodemanditback。
Thatisquitetrue，Dorian，criedHallward。
Nothingiseverquitetrue，saidLordHenry。
Thisis，interruptedDorian。Youmustadmit，Harry，thatwomengivetomentheverygoldoftheirlives。
Possibly，hesighed，buttheyinvariablywantitbackinsuchverysmallchange。Thatistheworry。Women，assomewittyFrenchmanonceputit，inspireuswiththedesiretodomasterpiecesandalwayspreventusfromcarryingthemout。
Harry，youaredreadful！Idon’tknowwhyIlikeyousomuch。
Youwillalwayslikeme，Dorian，hereplied。Willyouhavesomecoffee，youfellows？Waiter，bringcoffee，andfine-champagne，andsomecigarettes。No，don’tmindthecigarettes——Ihavesome。Basil，Ican’tallowyoutosmokecigars。Youmusthaveacigarette。Acigaretteistheperfecttypeofaperfectpleasure。Itisexquisite，anditleavesoneunsatisfied。Whatmorecanonewant？Yes，Dorian，youwillalwaysbefondofme。Irepresenttoyouallthesinsyouhaveneverhadthecouragetocommit。
Whatnonsenseyoutalk，Harry！criedthelad，takingalightfromafire-breathingsilverdragonthatthewaiterhadplacedonthetable。
Letusgodowntothetheatre。WhenSibylcomesonthestageyouwillhaveanewidealoflife。Shewillrepresentsomethingtoyouthatyouhaveneverknown。
Ihaveknowneverything，saidLordHenry，withatiredlookinhiseyes，butIamalwaysreadyforanewemotion。Iamafraid，however，that，formeatanyrate，thereisnosuchthing。Still，yourwonderfulgirlmaythrillme。Iloveacting。Itissomuchmorerealthanlife。Letusgo。Dorian，youwillcomewithme。Iamsosorry，Basil，butthereisonlyroomfortwointhebrougham。Youmustfollowusinahansom。
Theygotupandputontheircoats，sippingtheircoffeestanding。
Thepainterwassilentandpreoccupied。Therewasagloomoverhim。Hecouldnotbearthismarriage，andyetitseemedtohimtobebetterthanmanyotherthingsthatmighthavehappened。Afterafewminutes，theyallpasseddownstairs。Hedroveoffbyhimself，ashadbeenarranged，andwatchedtheflashinglightsofthelittlebroughaminfrontofhim。Astrangesenseoflosscameoverhim。HefeltthatDorianGraywouldneveragainbetohimallthathehadbeeninthepast。Lifehadcomebetweenthem……Hiseyesdarkened，andthecrowdedflaringstreetsbecameblurredtohiseyes。
Whenthecabdrewupatthetheatre，itseemedtohimthathehadgrownyearsolder。
ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter7Chapter7Forsomereasonorother，thehousewascrowdedthatnight，andthefatJewmanagerwhometthematthedoorwasbeamingfromeartoearwithanoilytremuloussmile。Heescortedthemtotheirboxwithasortofpompoushumility，wavinghisfatjewelledhandsandtalkingatthetopofhisvoice。
DorianGrayloathedhimmorethanever。HefeltasifhehadcometolookforMirandaandhadbeenmetbyCaliban。LordHenry，upontheotherhand，ratherlikedhim。Atleasthedeclaredhedid，andinsistedonshakinghimbythehandandassuringhimthathewasproudtomeetamanwhohaddiscoveredarealgeniusandgonebankruptoverapoet。Hallwardamusedhimselfwithwatchingthefacesinthepit。Theheatwasterriblyoppressive，andthehugesunlightflamedlikeamonstrousdahliawithpetalsofyellowfire。Theyouthsinthegalleryhadtakenofftheircoatsandwaistcoatsandhungthemovertheside。Theytalkedtoeachotheracrossthetheatreandsharedtheirorangeswiththetawdrygirlswhosatbesidethem。Somewomenwerelaughinginthepit。Theirvoiceswerehorriblyshrillanddiscordant。
Thesoundofthepoppingofcorkscamefromthebar。
Whataplacetofindone’sdivinityin！saidLordHenry。
Yes！answeredDorianGray。ItwashereIfoundher，andsheisdivinebeyondalllivingthings。Whensheacts，youwillforgeteverything。
Thesecommonroughpeople，withtheircoarsefacesandbrutalgestures，becomequitedifferentwhensheisonthestage。Theysitsilentlyandwatchher。Theyweepandlaughasshewillsthemtodo。Shemakesthemasresponsiveasaviolin。Shespiritualizesthem，andonefeelsthattheyareofthesamefleshandbloodasone’sself。
Thesamefleshandbloodasone’sself！Oh，Ihopenot！exclaimedLordHenry，whowasscanningtheoccupantsofthegallerythroughhisopera-glass。
Don’tpayanyattentiontohim，Dorian，saidthepainter。I
understandwhatyoumean，andIbelieveinthisgirl。Anyoneyoulovemustbemarvellous，andanygirlwhohastheeffectyoudescribemustbefineandnoble。Tospiritualizeone’sage——thatissomethingworthdoing。
Ifthisgirlcangiveasoultothosewhohavelivedwithoutone，ifshecancreatethesenseofbeautyinpeoplewhoseliveshavebeensordidandugly，ifshecanstripthemoftheirselfishnessandlendthemtearsforsorrowsthatarenottheirown，sheisworthyofallyouradoration，worthyoftheadorationoftheworld。Thismarriageisquiteright。Ididnotthinksoatfirst，butIadmititnow。ThegodsmadeSibylVaneforyou。
Withoutheryouwouldhavebeenincomplete。
Thanks，Basil，answeredDorianGray，pressinghishand。Iknewthatyouwouldunderstandme。Harryissocynical，heterrifiesme。Buthereistheorchestra。Itisquitedreadful，butitonlylastsforaboutfiveminutes。Thenthecurtainrises，andyouwillseethegirltowhomIamgoingtogiveallmylife，towhomIhavegiveneverythingthatisgoodinme。
Aquarterofanhourafterwards，amidstanextraordinaryturmoilofapplause，SibylVanesteppedontothestage。Yes，shewascertainlylovelytolookat——oneoftheloveliestcreatures，LordHenrythought，thathehadeverseen。Therewassomethingofthefawninhershygraceandstartledeyes。Afaintblush，liketheshadowofaroseinamirrorofsilver，cametohercheeksassheglancedatthecrowdedenthusiastichouse。Shesteppedbackafewpacesandherlipsseemedtotremble。BasilHallwardleapedtohisfeetandbegantoapplaud。Motionless，andasoneinadream，satDorianGray，gazingather。LordHenrypeeredthroughhisglasses，murmuring，Charming！charming！
ThescenewasthehallofCapulet’shouse，andRomeoinhispilgrim’sdresshadenteredwithMercutioandhisotherfriends。Theband，suchasitwas，struckupafewbarsofmusic，andthedancebegan。Throughthecrowdofungainly，shabbilydressedactors，SibylVanemovedlikeacreaturefromafinerworld。Herbodyswayed，whileshedanced，asaplantswaysinthewater。Thecurvesofherthroatwerethecurvesofawhitelily。
Herhandsseemedtobemadeofcoolivory。
Yetshewascuriouslylistless。SheshowednosignofjoywhenhereyesrestedonRomeo。Thefewwordsshehadtospeak——
Goodpilgrim，youdowrongyourhandtoomuch，Whichmannerlydevotionshowsinthis。Forsaintshavehandsthatpilgrims’handsdotouch，Andpalmtopalmisholypalmers’kiss——
withthebriefdialoguethatfollows，werespokeninathoroughlyartificialmanner。Thevoicewasexquisite，butfromthepointofviewoftoneitwasabsolutelyfalse。Itwaswrongincolour。Ittookawayallthelifefromtheverse。Itmadethepassionunreal。
DorianGraygrewpaleashewatchedher。Hewaspuzzledandanxious。
Neitherofhisfriendsdaredtosayanythingtohim。Sheseemedtothemtobeabsolutelyincompetent。Theywerehorriblydisappointed。
YettheyfeltthatthetruetestofanyJulietisthebalconysceneofthesecondact。Theywaitedforthat。Ifshefailedthere，therewasnothinginher。
Shelookedcharmingasshecameoutinthemoonlight。Thatcouldnotbedenied。Butthestaginessofheractingwasunbearable，andgrewworseasshewenton。Hergesturesbecameabsurdlyartificial。Sheoveremphasizedeverythingthatshehadtosay。Thebeautifulpassage——
Thouknowestthemaskofnightisonmyface，ElsewouldamaidenblushbepaintmycheekForthatwhichthouhastheardmespeakto-night——
wasdeclaimedwiththepainfulprecisionofaschoolgirlwhohasbeentaughttorecitebysomesecond-rateprofessorofelocution。Whensheleanedoverthebalconyandcametothosewonderfullines——
AlthoughIjoyinthee，Ihavenojoyofthiscontractto-night：Itistoorash，toounadvised，toosudden。Toolikethelightning，whichdothceasetobeEreonecansay，Itlightens。Sweet，good-night！Thisbudoflovebysummer’sripeningbreathMayproveabeauteousflowerwhennextwemeet——
shespokethewordsasthoughtheyconveyednomeaningtoher。Itwasnotnervousness。Indeed，sofarfrombeingnervous，shewasabsolutelyself-contained。Itwassimplybadart。Shewasacompletefailure。
Eventhecommonuneducatedaudienceofthepitandgallerylosttheirinterestintheplay。Theygotrestless，andbegantotalkloudlyandtowhistle。TheJewmanager，whowasstandingatthebackofthedress-circle，stampedandsworewithrage。Theonlypersonunmovedwasthegirlherself。
Whenthesecondactwasover，therecameastormofhisses，andLordHenrygotupfromhischairandputonhiscoat。Sheisquitebeautiful，Dorian，hesaid，butshecan’tact。Letusgo。
Iamgoingtoseetheplaythrough，answeredthelad，inahardbittervoice。IamawfullysorrythatIhavemadeyouwasteanevening，Harry。Iapologizetoyouboth。
MydearDorian，IshouldthinkMissVanewasill，interruptedHallward。Wewillcomesomeothernight。
Iwishshewereill，herejoined。Butsheseemstometobesimplycallousandcold。Shehasentirelyaltered。Lastnightshewasagreatartist。Thiseveningsheismerelyacommonplacemediocreactress。
Don’ttalklikethataboutanyoneyoulove，Dorian。Loveisamorewonderfulthingthanart。
Theyarebothsimplyformsofimitation，remarkedLordHenry。
Butdoletusgo。Dorian，youmustnotstayhereanylonger。Itisnotgoodforone’smoralstoseebadacting。Besides，Idon’tsupposeyouwillwantyourwifetoact，sowhatdoesitmatterifsheplaysJulietlikeawoodendoll？Sheisverylovely，andifsheknowsaslittleaboutlifeasshedoesaboutacting，shewillbeadelightfulexperience。Thereareonlytwokindsofpeoplewhoarereallyfascinating——peoplewhoknowabsolutelyeverything，andpeoplewhoknowabsolutelynothing。Goodheavens，mydearboy，don’tlooksotragic！Thesecretofremainingyoungisnevertohaveanemotionthatisunbecoming。CometotheclubwithBasilandmyself。
WewillsmokecigarettesanddrinktothebeautyofSibylVane。Sheisbeautiful。Whatmorecanyouwant？
Goaway，Harry，criedthelad。Iwanttobealone。Basil，youmustgo。Ah！can’tyouseethatmyheartisbreaking？Thehottearscametohiseyes。Hislipstrembled，andrushingtothebackofthebox，heleanedupagainstthewall，hidinghisfaceinhishands。
Letusgo，Basil，saidLordHenrywithastrangetendernessinhisvoice，andthetwoyoungmenpassedouttogether。
Afewmomentsafterwardsthefootlightsflaredupandthecurtainroseonthethirdact。DorianGraywentbacktohisseat。Helookedpale，andproud，andindifferent。Theplaydraggedon，andseemedinterminable。
Halfoftheaudiencewentout，trampinginheavybootsandlaughing。Thewholethingwasafiasco。Thelastactwasplayedtoalmostemptybenches。
Thecurtainwentdownonatitterandsomegroans。
Assoonasitwasover，DorianGrayrushedbehindthescenesintothegreenroom。Thegirlwasstandingtherealone，withalookoftriumphonherface。Hereyeswerelitwithanexquisitefire。Therewasaradianceabouther。Herpartedlipsweresmilingoversomesecretoftheirown。
Whenheentered，shelookedathim，andanexpressionofinfinitejoycameoverher。HowbadlyIactedto-night，Dorian！shecried。
Horribly！heanswered，gazingatherinamazement。Horribly！
Itwasdreadful。Areyouill？Youhavenoideawhatitwas。YouhavenoideawhatIsuffered。
Thegirlsmiled。Dorian，sheanswered，lingeringoverhisnamewithlong-drawnmusicinhervoice，asthoughitweresweeterthanhoneytotheredpetalsofhermouth。Dorian，youshouldhaveunderstood。Butyouunderstandnow，don’tyou？
Understandwhat？heasked，angrily。
WhyIwassobadto-night。WhyIshallalwaysbebad。WhyIshallneveractwellagain。
Heshruggedhisshoulders。Youareill，Isuppose。Whenyouareillyoushouldn’tact。Youmakeyourselfridiculous。Myfriendswerebored。
Iwasbored。
Sheseemednottolistentohim。Shewastransfiguredwithjoy。
Anecstasyofhappinessdominatedher。
Dorian，Dorian，shecried，beforeIknewyou，actingwastheonerealityofmylife。ItwasonlyinthetheatrethatIlived。Ithoughtthatitwasalltrue。IwasRosalindonenightandPortiatheother。ThejoyofBeatricewasmyjoy，andthesorrowsofCordeliawereminealso。
Ibelievedineverything。Thecommonpeoplewhoactedwithmeseemedtometobegodlike。Thepaintedscenesweremyworld。Iknewnothingbutshadows，andIthoughtthemreal。Youcame——oh，mybeautifullove！——andyoufreedmysoulfromprison。Youtaughtmewhatrealityreallyis。To-night，forthefirsttimeinmylife，Isawthroughthehollowness，thesham，thesillinessoftheemptypageantinwhichIhadalwaysplayed。To-night，forthefirsttime，IbecameconsciousthattheRomeowashideous，andold，andpainted，thatthemoonlightintheorchardwasfalse，thatthescenerywasvulgar，andthatthewordsIhadtospeakwereunreal，werenotmywords，werenotwhatIwantedtosay。Youhadbroughtmesomethinghigher，somethingofwhichallartisbutareflection。Youhadmademeunderstandwhatlovereallyis。Mylove！Mylove！PrinceCharming！Princeoflife！Ihavegrownsickofshadows。Youaremoretomethanallartcaneverbe。WhathaveItodowiththepuppetsofaplay？WhenIcameonto-night，Icouldnotunderstandhowitwasthateverythinghadgonefromme。IthoughtthatIwasgoingtobewonderful。IfoundthatIcoulddonothing。Suddenlyitdawnedonmysoulwhatitallmeant。Theknowledgewasexquisitetome。Iheardthemhissing，andIsmiled。Whatcouldtheyknowoflovesuchasours？Takemeaway，Dorian——takemeawaywithyou，wherewecanbequitealone。Ihatethestage。ImightmimicapassionthatIdonotfeel，butIcannotmimiconethatburnsmelikefire。Oh，Dorian，Dorian，youunderstandnowwhatitsignifies？EvenifIcoulddoit，itwouldbeprofanationformetoplayatbeinginlove。Youhavemademeseethat。
Heflunghimselfdownonthesofaandturnedawayhisface。Youhavekilledmylove，hemuttered。
Shelookedathiminwonderandlaughed。Hemadenoanswer。Shecameacrosstohim，andwithherlittlefingersstrokedhishair。Shekneltdownandpressedhishandstoherlips。Hedrewthemaway，andashudderranthroughhim。
Thenheleapedupandwenttothedoor。Yes，hecried，youhavekilledmylove。Youusedtostirmyimagination。Nowyoudon’tevenstirmycuriosity。Yousimplyproducenoeffect。Ilovedyoubecauseyouweremarvellous，becauseyouhadgeniusandintellect，becauseyourealizedthedreamsofgreatpoetsandgaveshapeandsubstancetotheshadowsofart。Youhavethrownitallaway。Youareshallowandstupid。MyGod！howmadIwastoloveyou！WhatafoolIhavebeen！Youarenothingtomenow。
Iwillneverseeyouagain。Iwillneverthinkofyou。Iwillnevermentionyourname。Youdon’tknowwhatyouweretome，once。Why，once……Oh，Ican’tbeartothinkofit！IwishIhadneverlaideyesuponyou！Youhavespoiledtheromanceofmylife。Howlittleyoucanknowoflove，ifyousayitmarsyourart！Withoutyourart，youarenothing。Iwouldhavemadeyoufamous，splendid，magnificent。Theworldwouldhaveworshippedyou，andyouwouldhavebornemyname。Whatareyounow？Athird-rateactresswithaprettyface。
Thegirlgrewwhite，andtrembled。Sheclenchedherhandstogether，andhervoiceseemedtocatchinherthroat。Youarenotserious，Dorian？
shemurmured。Youareacting。
Acting！Ileavethattoyou。Youdoitsowell，heansweredbitterly。
Sherosefromherkneesand，withapiteousexpressionofpaininherface，cameacrosstheroomtohim。Sheputherhanduponhisarmandlookedintohiseyes。Hethrustherback。Don’ttouchme！hecried。
Alowmoanbrokefromher，andsheflungherselfathisfeetandlaytherelikeatrampledflower。Dorian，Dorian，don’tleaveme！shewhispered。IamsosorryIdidn’tactwell。Iwasthinkingofyouallthetime。ButIwilltry——indeed，Iwilltry。Itcamesosuddenlyacrossme，myloveforyou。IthinkIshouldneverhaveknownitifyouhadnotkissedme——ifwehadnotkissedeachother。Kissmeagain，mylove。Don’tgoawayfromme。Icouldn’tbearit。Oh！don’tgoawayfromme。Mybrother……No。nevermind。Hedidn’tmeanit。Hewasinjest……Butyou，oh！can’tyouforgivemeforto-night？Iwillworksohardandtrytoimprove。
Don’tbecrueltome，becauseIloveyoubetterthananythingintheworld。
Afterall，itisonlyoncethatIhavenotpleasedyou。Butyouarequiteright，Dorian。Ishouldhaveshownmyselfmoreofanartist。Itwasfoolishofme，andyetIcouldn’thelpit。Oh，don’tleaveme，don’tleaveme。
Afitofpassionatesobbingchokedher。Shecrouchedonthefloorlikeawoundedthing，andDorianGray，withhisbeautifuleyes，lookeddownather，andhischiselledlipscurledinexquisitedisdain。Thereisalwayssomethingridiculousabouttheemotionsofpeoplewhomonehasceasedtolove。SibylVaneseemedtohimtobeabsurdlymelodramatic。Hertearsandsobsannoyedhim。
Iamgoing，hesaidatlastinhiscalmclearvoice。Idon’twishtobeunkind，butIcan’tseeyouagain。Youhavedisappointedme。
Sheweptsilently，andmadenoanswer，butcreptnearer。Herlittlehandsstretchedblindlyout，andappearedtobeseekingforhim。Heturnedonhisheelandlefttheroom。Inafewmomentshewasoutofthetheatre。
Wherehewenttohehardlyknew。Herememberedwanderingthroughdimlylitstreets，pastgaunt，black-shadowedarchwaysandevil-lookinghouses。Womenwithhoarsevoicesandharshlaughterhadcalledafterhim。
Drunkardshadreeledby，cursingandchatteringtothemselveslikemonstrousapes。Hehadseengrotesquechildrenhuddledupondoor-steps，andheardshrieksandoathsfromgloomycourts。
Asthedawnwasjustbreaking，hefoundhimselfclosetoCoventGarden。Thedarknesslifted，and，flushedwithfaintfires，theskyholloweditselfintoaperfectpearl。Hugecartsfilledwithnoddingliliesrumbledslowlydownthepolishedemptystreet。Theairwasheavywiththeperfumeoftheflowers，andtheirbeautyseemedtobringhimananodyneforhispain。Hefollowedintothemarketandwatchedthemenunloadingtheirwaggons。
Awhite-smockedcarterofferedhimsomecherries。Hethankedhim，wonderedwhyherefusedtoacceptanymoneyforthem，andbegantoeatthemlistlessly。
Theyhadbeenpluckedatmidnight，andthecoldnessofthemoonhadenteredintothem。Alonglineofboyscarryingcratesofstripedtulips，andofyellowandredroses，defiledinfrontofhim，threadingtheirwaythroughthehuge，jade-greenpilesofvegetables。Undertheportico，withitsgrey，sun-bleachedpillars，loiteredatroopofdraggledbareheadedgirls，waitingfortheauctiontobeover。Otherscrowdedroundtheswingingdoorsofthecoffee-houseinthepiazza。Theheavycart-horsesslippedandstampedupontheroughstones，shakingtheirbellsandtrappings。Someofthedriverswerelyingasleeponapileofsacks。Iris-neckedandpink-footed，thepigeonsranaboutpickingupseeds。
Afteralittlewhile，hehailedahansomanddrovehome。Forafewmomentsheloitereduponthedoorstep，lookingroundatthesilentsquare，withitsblank，close-shutteredwindowsanditsstaringblinds。
Theskywaspureopalnow，andtheroofsofthehousesglistenedlikesilveragainstit。Fromsomechimneyoppositeathinwreathofsmokewasrising。
Itcurled，avioletriband，throughthenacre-colouredair。
InthehugegiltVenetianlantern，spoilofsomeDoge’sbarge，thathungfromtheceilingofthegreat，oak-panelledhallofentrance，lightswerestillburningfromthreeflickeringjets：thinbluepetalsofflametheyseemed，rimmedwithwhitefire。Heturnedthemoutand，havingthrownhishatandcapeonthetable，passedthroughthelibrarytowardsthedoorofhisbedroom，alargeoctagonalchamberonthegroundfloorthat，inhisnew-bornfeelingforluxury，hehadjusthaddecoratedforhimselfandhungwithsomecuriousRenaissancetapestriesthathadbeendiscoveredstoredinadisusedatticatSelbyRoyal。Ashewasturningthehandleofthedoor，hiseyefellupontheportraitBasilHallwardhadpaintedofhim。Hestartedbackasifinsurprise。Thenhewentonintohisownroom，lookingsomewhatpuzzled。Afterhehadtakenthebutton-holeoutofhiscoat，heseemedtohesitate。Finally，hecameback，wentovertothepicture，andexaminedit。Inthedimarrestedlightthatstruggledthroughthecream-colouredsilkblinds，thefaceappearedtohimtobealittlechanged。Theexpressionlookeddifferent。Onewouldhavesaidthattherewasatouchofcrueltyinthemouth。Itwascertainlystrange。
Heturnedroundand，walkingtothewindow，drewuptheblind。
Thebrightdawnfloodedtheroomandsweptthefantasticshadowsintoduskycorners，wheretheylayshuddering。Butthestrangeexpressionthathehadnoticedinthefaceoftheportraitseemedtolingerthere，tobemoreintensifiedeven。Thequiveringardentsunlightshowedhimthelinesofcrueltyroundthemouthasclearlyasifhehadbeenlookingintoamirrorafterhehaddonesomedreadfulthing。
Hewincedand，takingupfromthetableanovalglassframedinivoryCupids，oneofLordHenry’smanypresentstohim，glancedhurriedlyintoitspolisheddepths。Nolinelikethatwarpedhisredlips。Whatdiditmean？
Herubbedhiseyes，andcameclosetothepicture，andexamineditagain。Therewerenosignsofanychangewhenhelookedintotheactualpainting，andyettherewasnodoubtthatthewholeexpressionhadaltered。
Itwasnotamerefancyofhisown。Thethingwashorriblyapparent。
Hethrewhimselfintoachairandbegantothink。SuddenlythereflashedacrosshismindwhathehadsaidinBasilHallward’sstudiothedaythepicturehadbeenfinished。Yes，heremembereditperfectly。Hehadutteredamadwishthathehimselfmightremainyoung，andtheportraitgrowold。thathisownbeautymightbeuntarnished，andthefaceonthecanvasbeartheburdenofhispassionsandhissins。thatthepaintedimagemightbesearedwiththelinesofsufferingandthought，andthathemightkeepallthedelicatebloomandlovelinessofhisthenjustconsciousboyhood。
Surelyhiswishhadnotbeenfulfilled？Suchthingswereimpossible。Itseemedmonstrouseventothinkofthem。And，yet，therewasthepicturebeforehim，withthetouchofcrueltyinthemouth。
Cruelty！Hadhebeencruel？Itwasthegirl’sfault，nothis。
Hehaddreamedofherasagreatartist，hadgivenhislovetoherbecausehehadthoughthergreat。Thenshehaddisappointedhim。Shehadbeenshallowandunworthy。And，yet，afeelingofinfiniteregretcameoverhim，ashethoughtofherlyingathisfeetsobbinglikealittlechild。Herememberedwithwhatcallousnesshehadwatchedher。Whyhadhebeenmadelikethat？
Whyhadsuchasoulbeengiventohim？Buthehadsufferedalso。Duringthethreeterriblehoursthattheplayhadlasted，hehadlivedcenturiesofpain，aeonuponaeonoftorture。Hislifewaswellworthhers。Shehadmarredhimforamoment，ifhehadwoundedherforanage。Besides，womenwerebettersuitedtobearsorrowthanmen。Theylivedontheiremotions。
Theyonlythoughtoftheiremotions。Whentheytooklovers，itwasmerelytohavesomeonewithwhomtheycouldhavescenes。LordHenryhadtoldhimthat，andLordHenryknewwhatwomenwere。WhyshouldhetroubleaboutSibylVane？Shewasnothingtohimnow。
Butthepicture？Whatwashetosayofthat？Itheldthesecretofhislife，andtoldhisstory。Ithadtaughthimtolovehisownbeauty。
Woulditteachhimtoloathehisownsoul？Wouldheeverlookatitagain？
No。itwasmerelyanillusionwroughtonthetroubledsenses。
Thehorriblenightthathehadpassedhadleftphantomsbehindit。Suddenlytherehadfallenuponhisbrainthattinyscarletspeckthatmakesmenmad。Thepicturehadnotchanged。Itwasfollytothinkso。
Yetitwaswatchinghim，withitsbeautifulmarredfaceanditscruelsmile。Itsbrighthairgleamedintheearlysunlight。Itsblueeyesmethisown。Asenseofinfinitepity，notforhimself，butforthepaintedimageofhimself，cameoverhim。Ithadalteredalready，andwouldaltermore。Itsgoldwouldwitherintogrey。Itsredandwhiteroseswoulddie。
Foreverysinthathecommitted，astainwouldfleckandwreckitsfairness。
Buthewouldnotsin。Thepicture，changedorunchanged，wouldbetohimthevisibleemblemofconscience。Hewouldresisttemptation。HewouldnotseeLordHenryanymore——wouldnot，atanyrate，listentothosesubtlepoisonoustheoriesthatinBasilHallward’sgardenhadfirststirredwithinhimthepassionforimpossiblethings。HewouldgobacktoSibylVane，makeheramends，marryher，trytoloveheragain。Yes，itwashisdutytodoso。Shemusthavesufferedmorethanhehad。Poorchild！Hehadbeenselfishandcrueltoher。Thefascinationthatshehadexercisedoverhimwouldreturn。Theywouldbehappytogether。Hislifewithherwouldbebeautifulandpure。
Hegotupfromhischairanddrewalargescreenrightinfrontoftheportrait，shudderingasheglancedatit。Howhorrible！hemurmuredtohimself，andhewalkedacrosstothewindowandopenedit。Whenhesteppedoutontothegrass，hedrewadeepbreath。Thefreshmorningairseemedtodriveawayallhissombrepassions。HethoughtonlyofSibyl。Afaintechoofhislovecamebacktohim。Herepeatedhernameoverandoveragain。
Thebirdsthatweresinginginthedew-drenchedgardenseemedtobetellingtheflowersabouther。
ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter8Chapter8Itwaslongpastnoonwhenheawoke。Hisvalethadcreptseveraltimesontiptoeintotheroomtoseeifhewasstirring，andhadwonderedwhatmadehisyoungmastersleepsolate。Finallyhisbellsounded，andVictorcameinsoftlywithacupoftea，andapileofletters，onasmalltrayofoldSevreschina，anddrewbacktheolive-satincurtains，withtheirshimmeringbluelining，thathunginfrontofthethreetallwindows。
Monsieurhaswellsleptthismorning，hesaid，smiling。
Whato’clockisit，Victor？askedDorianGraydrowsily。
Onehourandaquarter，Monsieur。