第7章

Whatareyoutwotalkingabout？saidLordHenry，strollingovertothetableandputtinghiscupdown。IhopeDorianhastoldyouaboutmyplanforrechristeningeverything，Gladys。Itisadelightfulidea。

ButIdon’twanttoberechristened，Harry，rejoinedtheduchess，lookingupathimwithherwonderfuleyes。Iamquitesatisfiedwithmyownname，andIamsureMr。Grayshouldbesatisfiedwithhis。

MydearGladys，Iwouldnotaltereithernamefortheworld。

Theyarebothperfect。Iwasthinkingchieflyofflowers。YesterdayIcutanorchid，formybutton-hole。Itwasamarvellousspottedthing，aseffectiveasthesevendeadlysins。InathoughtlessmomentIaskedoneofthegardenerswhatitwascalled。HetoldmeitwasafinespecimenofRobinsoniana，orsomethingdreadfulofthatkind。Itisasadtruth，butwehavelostthefacultyofgivinglovelynamestothings。Namesareeverything。Ineverquarrelwithactions。Myonequarreliswithwords。ThatisthereasonIhatevulgarrealisminliterature。Themanwhocouldcallaspadeaspadeshouldbecompelledtouseone。Itistheonlythingheisfitfor。

Thenwhatshouldwecallyou，Harry？sheasked。

HisnameisPrinceParadox，saidDorian。

Irecognizehiminaflash，exclaimedtheduchess。

Iwon’thearofit，laughedLordHenry，sinkingintoachair。

Fromalabelthereisnoescape！Irefusethetitle。

Royaltiesmaynotabdicate，fellasawarningfromprettylips。

Youwishmetodefendmythrone，then？

Yes。

Igivethetruthsofto-morrow。

Ipreferthemistakesofto-day，sheanswered。

Youdisarmme，Gladys，hecried，catchingthewilfulnessofhermood。

Ofyourshield，Harry，notofyourspear。

Inevertiltagainstbeauty，hesaid，withawaveofhishand。

Thatisyourerror，Harry，believeme。Youvaluebeautyfartoomuch。

Howcanyousaythat？IadmitthatIthinkthatitisbettertobebeautifulthantobegood。Butontheotherhand，nooneismorereadythanIamtoacknowledgethatitisbettertobegoodthantobeugly。

Uglinessisoneofthesevendeadlysins，then？criedtheduchess。

Whatbecomesofyoursimileabouttheorchid？

Uglinessisoneofthesevendeadlyvirtues，Gladys。You，asagoodTory，mustnotunderratethem。Beer，theBible，andthesevendeadlyvirtueshavemadeourEnglandwhatsheis。

Youdon’tlikeyourcountry，then？sheasked。

Iliveinit。

Thatyoumaycensureitthebetter。

WouldyouhavemetaketheverdictofEuropeonit？heinquired。

Whatdotheysayofus？

ThatTartuffehasemigratedtoEnglandandopenedashop。

Isthatyours，Harry？

Igiveittoyou。

Icouldnotuseit。Itistootrue。

Youneednotbeafraid。Ourcountrymenneverrecognizeadescription。

Theyarepractical。

Theyaremorecunningthanpractical。Whentheymakeuptheirledger，theybalancestupiditybywealth，andvicebyhypocrisy。

Still，wehavedonegreatthings。

Greatthingshavebeenthrustonus，Gladys。

Wehavecarriedtheirburden。

OnlyasfarastheStockExchange。

Sheshookherhead。Ibelieveintherace，shecried。

Itrepresentsthesurvivalofthepushing。

Ithasdevelopment。

Decayfascinatesmemore。

Whatofart？sheasked。

Itisamalady。

Love？

Anillusion。

Religion？

Thefashionablesubstituteforbelief。

Youareasceptic。

Never！Scepticismisthebeginningoffaith。

Whatareyou？

Todefineistolimit。

Givemeaclue。

Threadssnap。Youwouldloseyourwayinthelabyrinth。

Youbewilderme。Letustalkofsomeoneelse。

Ourhostisadelightfultopic。YearsagohewaschristenedPrinceCharming。

Ah！don’tremindmeofthat，criedDorianGray。

Ourhostisratherhorridthisevening，answeredtheduchess，colouring。IbelievehethinksthatMonmouthmarriedmeonpurelyscientificprinciplesasthebestspecimenhecouldfindofamodernbutterfly。

Well，Ihopehewon’tstickpinsintoyou，Duchess，laughedDorian。

Oh！mymaiddoesthatalready，Mr。Gray，whensheisannoyedwithme。

Andwhatdoesshegetannoyedwithyouabout，Duchess？

Forthemosttrivialthings，Mr。Gray，Iassureyou。UsuallybecauseIcomeinattenminutestonineandtellherthatImustbedressedbyhalf-pasteight。

Howunreasonableofher！Youshouldgiveherwarning。

Idaren’t，Mr。Gray。Why，sheinventshatsforme。YouremembertheoneIworeatLadyHilstone’sgarden-party？Youdon’t，butitisniceofyoutopretendthatyoudo。Well，shemadeifoutofnothing。Allgoodhatsaremadeoutofnothing。

Likeallgoodreputations，Gladys，interruptedLordHenry。Everyeffectthatoneproducesgivesoneanenemy。Tobepopularonemustbeamediocrity。

Notwithwomen，saidtheduchess，shakingherhead。andwomenruletheworld。Iassureyouwecan’tbearmediocrities。Wewomen，assomeonesays，lovewithourears，justasyoumenlovewithyoureyes，ifyoueverloveatall。

Itseemstomethatweneverdoanythingelse，murmuredDorian。

Ah！then，youneverreallylove，Mr。Gray，answeredtheduchesswithmocksadness。

MydearGladys！criedLordHenry。Howcanyousaythat？Romancelivesbyrepetition，andrepetitionconvertsanappetiteintoanart。Besides，eachtimethatonelovesistheonlytimeonehaseverloved。Differenceofobjectdoesnotaltersinglenessofpassion。Itmerelyintensifiesit。

Wecanhaveinlifebutonegreatexperienceatbest，andthesecretoflifeistoreproducethatexperienceasoftenaspossible。

Evenwhenonehasbeenwoundedbyit，Harry？askedtheduchessafterapause。

Especiallywhenonehasbeenwoundedbyit，answeredLordHenry。

TheduchessturnedandlookedatDorianGraywithacuriousexpressioninhereyes。Whatdoyousaytothat，Mr。Gray？sheinquired。

Dorianhesitatedforamoment。Thenhethrewhisheadbackandlaughed。IalwaysagreewithHarry，Duchess。

Evenwhenheiswrong？

Harryisneverwrong，Duchess。

Anddoeshisphilosophymakeyouhappy？

Ihaveneversearchedforhappiness。Whowantshappiness？Ihavesearchedforpleasure。

Andfoundit，Mr。Gray？

Often。Toooften。

Theduchesssighed。Iamsearchingforpeace，shesaid，andifIdon’tgoanddress，Ishallhavenonethisevening。

Letmegetyousomeorchids，Duchess，criedDorian，startingtohisfeetandwalkingdowntheconservatory。

Youareflirtingdisgracefullywithhim，saidLordHenrytohiscousin。Youhadbettertakecare。Heisveryfascinating。

Ifhewerenot，therewouldbenobattle。

GreekmeetsGreek，then？

IamonthesideoftheTrojans。Theyfoughtforawoman。

Theyweredefeated。

Thereareworsethingsthancapture，sheanswered。

Yougallopwithalooserein。

Pacegiveslife，wastheriposte。

Ishallwriteitinmydiaryto-night。

What？

Thataburntchildlovesthefire。

Iamnotevensinged。Mywingsareuntouched。

Youusethemforeverything，exceptflight。

Couragehaspassedfrommentowomen。Itisanewexperienceforus。

Youhavearival。

Who？

Helaughed。LadyNarborough，hewhispered。Sheperfectlyadoreshim。

Youfillmewithapprehension。Theappealtoantiquityisfataltouswhoareromanticists。

Romanticists！Youhaveallthemethodsofscience。

Menhaveeducatedus。

Butnotexplainedyou。

Describeusasasex，washerchallenge。

Sphinxeswithoutsecrets。

Shelookedathim，smiling。HowlongMr。Grayis！shesaid。

Letusgoandhelphim。Ihavenotyettoldhimthecolourofmyfrock。

Ah！youmustsuityourfrocktohisflowers，Gladys。

Thatwouldbeaprematuresurrender。

Romanticartbeginswithitsclimax。

Imustkeepanopportunityforretreat。

IntheParthianmanner？

Theyfoundsafetyinthedesert。Icouldnotdothat。

Womenarenotalwaysallowedachoice，heanswered，buthardlyhadhefinishedthesentencebeforefromthefarendoftheconservatorycameastifledgroan，followedbythedullsoundofaheavyfall。Everybodystartedup。Theduchessstoodmotionlessinhorror。Andwithfearinhiseyes，LordHenryrushedthroughtheflappingpalmstofindDorianGraylyingfacedownwardsonthetiledfloorinadeathlikeswoon。

Hewascarriedatonceintothebluedrawing-roomandlaidupononeofthesofas。Afterashorttime，hecametohimselfandlookedroundwithadazedexpression。

Whathashappened？heasked。Oh！Iremember。AmIsafehere，Harry？Hebegantotremble。

MydearDorian，answeredLordHenry，youmerelyfainted。Thatwasall。Youmusthaveovertiredyourself。Youhadbetternotcomedowntodinner。Iwilltakeyourplace。

No，Iwillcomedown，hesaid，strugglingtohisfeet。Iwouldrathercomedown。Imustnotbealone。

Hewenttohisroomanddressed。Therewasawildrecklessnessofgaietyinhismannerashesatattable，butnowandthenathrillofterrorranthroughhimwhenherememberedthat，pressedagainstthewindowoftheconservatory，likeawhitehandkerchief，hehadseenthefaceofJamesVanewatchinghim。

ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter18Chapter18Thenextdayhedidnotleavethehouse，and，indeed，spentmostofthetimeinhisownroom，sickwithawildterrorofdying，andyetindifferenttolifeitself。Theconsciousnessofbeinghunted，snared，trackeddown，hadbeguntodominatehim。Ifthetapestrydidbuttrembleinthewind，heshook。Thedeadleavesthatwereblownagainsttheleadedpanesseemedtohimlikehisownwastedresolutionsandwildregrets。Whenheclosedhiseyes，hesawagainthesailor’sfacepeeringthroughthemist-stainedglass，andhorrorseemedoncemoretolayitshanduponhisheart。

Butperhapsithadbeenonlyhisfancythathadcalledvengeanceoutofthenightandsetthehideousshapesofpunishmentbeforehim。Actuallifewaschaos，buttherewassomethingterriblylogicalintheimagination。

Itwastheimaginationthatsetremorsetodogthefeetofsin。Itwastheimaginationthatmadeeachcrimebearitsmisshapenbrood。Inthecommonworldoffactthewickedwerenotpunished，northegoodrewarded。Successwasgiventothestrong，failurethrustupontheweak。Thatwasall。Besides，hadanystrangerbeenprowlingroundthehouse，hewouldhavebeenseenbytheservantsorthekeepers。Hadanyfoot-marksbeenfoundontheflower-beds，thegardenerswouldhavereportedit。Yes，ithadbeenmerelyfancy。SibylVane’sbrotherhadnotcomebacktokillhim。Hehadsailedawayinhisshiptofounderinsomewintersea。Fromhim，atanyrate，hewassafe。

Why，themandidnotknowwhohewas，couldnotknowwhohewas。Themaskofyouthhadsavedhim。

Andyetifithadbeenmerelyanillusion，howterribleitwastothinkthatconsciencecouldraisesuchfearfulphantoms，andgivethemvisibleform，andmakethemmovebeforeone！Whatsortoflifewouldhisbeif，dayandnight，shadowsofhiscrimeweretopeerathimfromsilentcorners，tomockhimfromsecretplaces，towhisperinhisearashesatatthefeast，towakehimwithicyfingersashelayasleep！Asthethoughtcreptthroughhisbrain，hegrewpalewithterror，andtheairseemedtohimtohavebecomesuddenlycolder。Oh！inwhatawildhourofmadnesshehadkilledhisfriend！Howghastlythemerememoryofthescene！Hesawitallagain。Eachhideousdetailcamebacktohimwithaddedhorror。

Outoftheblackcaveoftime，terribleandswathedinscarlet，rosetheimageofhissin。WhenLordHenrycameinatsixo’clock，hefoundhimcryingasonewhoseheartwillbreak。

Itwasnottillthethirddaythatheventuredtogoout。Therewassomethingintheclear，pine-scentedairofthatwintermorningthatseemedtobringhimbackhisjoyousnessandhisardourforlife。Butitwasnotmerelythephysicalconditionsofenvironmentthathadcausedthechange。Hisownnaturehadrevoltedagainsttheexcessofanguishthathadsoughttomaimandmartheperfectionofitscalm。Withsubtleandfinelywroughttemperamentsitisalwaysso。Theirstrongpassionsmusteitherbruiseorbend。Theyeitherslaytheman，orthemselvesdie。Shallowsorrowsandshallowlovesliveon。Thelovesandsorrowsthataregreataredestroyedbytheirownplenitude。Besides，hehadconvincedhimselfthathehadbeenthevictimofaterror-strickenimagination，andlookedbacknowonhisfearswithsomethingofpityandnotalittleofcontempt。

Afterbreakfast，hewalkedwiththeduchessforanhourinthegardenandthendroveacrosstheparktojointheshooting-party。Thecrispfrostlaylikesaltuponthegrass。Theskywasaninvertedcupofbluemetal。Athinfilmoficeborderedtheflat，reed-grownlake。

Atthecornerofthepine-woodhecaughtsightofSirGeoffreyClouston，theduchess’sbrother，jerkingtwospentcartridgesoutofhisgun。Hejumpedfromthecart，andhavingtoldthegroomtotakethemarehome，madehiswaytowardshisguestthroughthewitheredbrackenandroughundergrowth。

Haveyouhadgoodsport，Geoffrey？heasked。

Notverygood，Dorian。Ithinkmostofthebirdshavegonetotheopen。Idaresayitwillbebetterafterlunch，whenwegettonewground。

Dorianstrolledalongbyhisside。Thekeenaromaticair，thebrownandredlightsthatglimmeredinthewood，thehoarsecriesofthebeatersringingoutfromtimetotime，andthesharpsnapsofthegunsthatfollowed，fascinatedhimandfilledhimwithasenseofdelightfulfreedom。Hewasdominatedbythecarelessnessofhappiness，bythehighindifferenceofjoy。

Suddenlyfromalumpytussockofoldgrasssometwentyyardsinfrontofthem，withblack-tippedearserectandlonghinderlimbsthrowingitforward，startedahare。Itboltedforathicketofalders。SirGeoffreyputhisguntohisshoulder，buttherewassomethingintheanimal’sgraceofmovementthatstrangelycharmedDorianGray，andhecriedoutatonce，Don’tshootit，Geoffrey。Letitlive。

Whatnonsense，Dorian！laughedhiscompanion，andasthehareboundedintothethicket，hefired。Thereweretwocriesheard，thecryofahareinpain，whichisdreadful，thecryofamaninagony，whichisworse。

Goodheavens！Ihavehitabeater！exclaimedSirGeoffrey。Whatanassthemanwastogetinfrontoftheguns！Stopshootingthere！hecalledoutatthetopofhisvoice。Amanishurt。

Thehead-keepercamerunningupwithastickinhishand。

Where，sir？Whereishe？heshouted。Atthesametime，thefiringceasedalongtheline。

Here，answeredSirGeoffreyangrily，hurryingtowardsthethicket。

Whyonearthdon’tyoukeepyourmenback？Spoiledmyshootingfortheday。

Dorianwatchedthemastheyplungedintothealder-clump，brushingthelitheswingingbranchesaside。Inafewmomentstheyemerged，draggingabodyafterthemintothesunlight。Heturnedawayinhorror。Itseemedtohimthatmisfortunefollowedwhereverhewent。HeheardSirGeoffreyaskifthemanwasreallydead，andtheaffirmativeanswerofthekeeper。

Thewoodseemedtohimtohavebecomesuddenlyalivewithfaces。Therewasthetramplingofmyriadfeetandthelowbuzzofvoices。Agreatcopper-breastedpheasantcamebeatingthroughtheboughsoverhead。

Afterafewmoments——thatweretohim，inhisperturbedstate，likeendlesshoursofpain——hefeltahandlaidonhisshoulder。Hestartedandlookedround。

Dorian，saidLordHenry，Ihadbettertellthemthattheshootingisstoppedforto-day。Itwouldnotlookwelltogoon。

Iwishitwerestoppedforever，Harry，heansweredbitterly。

Thewholethingishideousandcruel。Istheman……？

Hecouldnotfinishthesentence。

Iamafraidso，rejoinedLordHenry。Hegotthewholechargeofshotinhischest。Hemusthavediedalmostinstantaneously。Come。letusgohome。

Theywalkedsidebysideinthedirectionoftheavenuefornearlyfiftyyardswithoutspeaking。ThenDorianlookedatLordHenryandsaid，withaheavysigh，Itisabadomen，Harry，averybadomen。

Whatis？askedLordHenry。Oh！thisaccident，Isuppose。Mydearfellow，itcan’tbehelped。Itwastheman’sownfault。Whydidhegetinfrontoftheguns？Besides，itisnothingtous。ItisratherawkwardforGeoffrey，ofcourse。Itdoesnotdotopepperbeaters。Itmakespeoplethinkthatoneisawildshot。AndGeoffreyisnot。heshootsverystraight。

Butthereisnousetalkingaboutthematter。

Dorianshookhishead。Itisabadomen，Harry。Ifeelasifsomethinghorribleweregoingtohappentosomeofus。Tomyself，perhaps，

headded，passinghishandoverhiseyes，withagestureofpain。

Theeldermanlaughed。Theonlyhorriblethingintheworldisennui，Dorian。Thatistheonesinforwhichthereisnoforgiveness。

Butwearenotlikelytosufferfromitunlessthesefellowskeepchatteringaboutthisthingatdinner。Imusttellthemthatthesubjectistobetabooed。Asforomens，thereisnosuchthingasanomen。Destinydoesnotsendusheralds。Sheistoowiseortoocruelforthat。Besides，whatonearthcouldhappentoyou，Dorian？Youhaveeverythingintheworldthatamancanwant。Thereisnoonewhowouldnotbedelightedtochangeplaceswithyou。

ThereisnoonewithwhomIwouldnotchangeplaces，Harry。Don’tlaughlikethat。Iamtellingyouthetruth。ThewretchedpeasantwhohasjustdiedisbetteroffthanIam。Ihavenoterrorofdeath。Itisthecomingofdeaththatterrifiesme。Itsmonstrouswingsseemtowheelintheleadenairaroundme。Goodheavens！don’tyouseeamanmovingbehindthetreesthere，watchingme，waitingforme？

LordHenrylookedinthedirectioninwhichthetremblingglovedhandwaspointing。Yes，hesaid，smiling，Iseethegardenerwaitingforyou。Isupposehewantstoaskyouwhatflowersyouwishtohaveonthetableto-night。Howabsurdlynervousyouare，mydearfellow！Youmustcomeandseemydoctor，whenwegetbacktotown。

Dorianheavedasighofreliefashesawthegardenerapproaching。

Themantouchedhishat，glancedforamomentatLordHenryinahesitatingmanner，andthenproducedaletter，whichhehandedtohismaster。HerGracetoldmetowaitforananswer，hemurmured。

Dorianputtheletterintohispocket。TellherGracethatI

amcomingin，hesaid，coldly。Themanturnedroundandwentrapidlyinthedirectionofthehouse。

Howfondwomenareofdoingdangerousthings！laughedLordHenry。

ItisoneofthequalitiesinthemthatIadmiremost。Awomanwillflirtwithanybodyintheworldaslongasotherpeoplearelookingon。

Howfondyouareofsayingdangerousthings，Harry！Inthepresentinstance，youarequiteastray。Iliketheduchessverymuch，butIdon’tloveher。

Andtheduchesslovesyouverymuch，butshelikesyouless，soyouareexcellentlymatched。

Youaretalkingscandal，Harry，andthereisneveranybasisforscandal。

Thebasisofeveryscandalisanimmoralcertainty，saidLordHenry，lightingacigarette。

Youwouldsacrificeanybody，Harry，forthesakeofanepigram。

Theworldgoestothealtarofitsownaccord，wastheanswer。

IwishIcouldlove，criedDorianGraywithadeepnoteofpathosinhisvoice。ButIseemtohavelostthepassionandforgottenthedesire。

Iamtoomuchconcentratedonmyself。Myownpersonalityhasbecomeaburdentome。Iwanttoescape，togoaway，toforget。Itwassillyofmetocomedownhereatall。IthinkIshallsendawiretoHarveytohavetheyachtgotready。Onayachtoneissafe。

Safefromwhat，Dorian？Youareinsometrouble。Whynottellmewhatitis？YouknowIwouldhelpyou。

Ican’ttellyou，Harry，heansweredsadly。AndIdaresayitisonlyafancyofmine。Thisunfortunateaccidenthasupsetme。Ihaveahorriblepresentimentthatsomethingofthekindmayhappentome。

Whatnonsense！

Ihopeitis，butIcan’thelpfeelingit。Ah！hereistheduchess，lookinglikeArtemisinatailor-madegown。Youseewehavecomeback，Duchess。

Ihaveheardallaboutit，Mr。Gray，sheanswered。PoorGeoffreyisterriblyupset。Anditseemsthatyouaskedhimnottoshootthehare。

Howcurious！

Yes，itwasverycurious。Idon’tknowwhatmademesayit。Somewhim，Isuppose。Itlookedtheloveliestoflittlelivethings。ButIamsorrytheytoldyouabouttheman。Itisahideoussubject。

Itisanannoyingsubject，brokeinLordHenry。Ithasnopsychologicalvalueatall。NowifGeoffreyhaddonethethingonpurpose，howinterestinghewouldbe！Ishouldliketoknowsomeonewhohadcommittedarealmurder。

Howhorridofyou，Harry！criedtheduchess。Isn’tit，Mr。

Gray？Harry，Mr。Grayisillagain。Heisgoingtofaint。

Doriandrewhimselfupwithaneffortandsmiled。Itisnothing，Duchess，hemurmured。mynervesaredreadfullyoutoforder。Thatisall。IamafraidIwalkedtoofarthismorning。Ididn’thearwhatHarrysaid。Wasitverybad？Youmusttellmesomeothertime。IthinkImustgoandliedown。Youwillexcuseme，won’tyou？

Theyhadreachedthegreatflightofstepsthatledfromtheconservatoryontotheterrace。AstheglassdoorclosedbehindDorian，LordHenryturnedandlookedattheduchesswithhisslumberouseyes。Areyouverymuchinlovewithhim？heasked。

Shedidnotanswerforsometime，butstoodgazingatthelandscape。

IwishIknew，shesaidatlast。

Heshookhishead。Knowledgewouldbefatal。Itistheuncertaintythatcharmsone。Amistmakesthingswonderful。

Onemayloseone’sway。

Allwaysendatthesamepoint，mydearGladys。

Whatisthat？

Disillusion。

Itwasmydebutinlife，shesighed。

Itcametoyoucrowned。

Iamtiredofstrawberryleaves。

Theybecomeyou。

Onlyinpublic。

Youwouldmissthem，saidLordHenry。

Iwillnotpartwithapetal。

Monmouthhasears。

Oldageisdullofhearing。

Hasheneverbeenjealous？

Iwishhehadbeen。

Heglancedaboutasifinsearchofsomething。Whatareyoulookingfor？sheinquired。

Thebuttonfromyourfoil，heanswered。Youhavedroppedit。

Shelaughed。Ihavestillthemask。

Itmakesyoureyeslovelier，washisreply。

Shelaughedagain。Herteethshowedlikewhiteseedsinascarletfruit。

Upstairs，inhisownroom，DorianGraywaslyingonasofa，withterrorineverytinglingfibreofhisbody。Lifehadsuddenlybecometoohideousaburdenforhimtobear。Thedreadfuldeathoftheunluckybeater，shotinthethicketlikeawildanimal，hadseemedtohimtopre-figuredeathforhimselfalso。HehadnearlyswoonedatwhatLordHenryhadsaidinachancemoodofcynicaljesting。

Atfiveo’clockheranghisbellforhisservantandgavehimorderstopackhisthingsforthenight-expresstotown，andtohavethebroughamatthedoorbyeight-thirty。HewasdeterminednottosleepanothernightatSelbyRoyal。Itwasanill-omenedplace。Deathwalkedthereinthesunlight。Thegrassoftheforesthadbeenspottedwithblood。

ThenhewroteanotetoLordHenry，tellinghimthathewasgoinguptotowntoconsulthisdoctorandaskinghimtoentertainhisguestsinhisabsence。Ashewasputtingitintotheenvelope，aknockcametothedoor，andhisvaletinformedhimthatthehead-keeperwishedtoseehim。Hefrownedandbithislip。Sendhimin，hemuttered，aftersomemoments’hesitation。

Assoonasthemanentered，Dorianpulledhischequebookoutofadrawerandspreaditoutbeforehim。

Isupposeyouhavecomeabouttheunfortunateaccidentofthismorning，Thornton？hesaid，takingupapen。

Yes，sir，answeredthegamekeeper。

Wasthepoorfellowmarried？Hadheanypeopledependentonhim？

askedDorian，lookingbored。Ifso，Ishouldnotlikethemtobeleftinwant，andwillsendthemanysumofmoneyyoumaythinknecessary。

Wedon’tknowwhoheis，sir。ThatiswhatItookthelibertyofcomingtoyouabout。

Don’tknowwhoheis？saidDorian，listlessly。Whatdoyoumean？Wasn’theoneofyourmen？

No，sir。Neversawhimbefore。Seemslikeasailor，sir。

ThependroppedfromDorianGray’shand，andhefeltasifhishearthadsuddenlystoppedbeating。Asailor？hecriedout。Didyousayasailor？

Yes，sir。Helooksasifhehadbeenasortofsailor。tattooedonbotharms，andthatkindofthing。

Wasthereanythingfoundonhim？saidDorian，leaningforwardandlookingatthemanwithstartledeyes。Anythingthatwouldtellhisname？

Somemoney，sir——notmuch，andasix-shooter。Therewasnonameofanykind。Adecent-lookingman，sir，butrough-like。Asortofsailorwethink。

Dorianstartedtohisfeet。Aterriblehopeflutteredpasthim。

Heclutchedatitmadly。Whereisthebody？heexclaimed。Quick！Imustseeitatonce。

ItisinanemptystableintheHomeFarm，sir。Thefolkdon’tliketohavethatsortofthingintheirhouses。Theysayacorpsebringsbadluck。

TheHomeFarm！Gothereatonceandmeetme。Telloneofthegroomstobringmyhorseround。No。Nevermind。I’llgotothestablesmyself。Itwillsavetime。

Inlessthanaquarterofanhour，DorianGraywasgallopingdownthelongavenueashardashecouldgo。Thetreesseemedtosweeppasthiminspectralprocession，andwildshadowstoflingthemselvesacrosshispath。Oncethemareswervedatawhitegate-postandnearlythrewhim。

Helashedheracrosstheneckwithhiscrop。Sheclefttheduskyairlikeanarrow。Thestonesflewfromherhoofs。

AtlasthereachedtheHomeFarm。Twomenwereloiteringintheyard。Heleapedfromthesaddleandthrewthereinstooneofthem。Inthefartheststablealightwasglimmering。Somethingseemedtotellhimthatthebodywasthere，andhehurriedtothedoorandputhishanduponthelatch。

Therehepausedforamoment，feelingthathewasonthebrinkofadiscoverythatwouldeithermakeormarhislife。Thenhethrustthedooropenandentered。

Onaheapofsackinginthefarcornerwaslyingthedeadbodyofamandressedinacoarseshirtandapairofbluetrousers。Aspottedhandkerchiefhadbeenplacedovertheface。Acoarsecandle，stuckinabottle，sputteredbesideit。

DorianGrayshuddered。Hefeltthathiscouldnotbethehandtotakethehandkerchiefaway，andcalledouttooneofthefarm-servantstocometohim。

Takethatthingofftheface。Iwishtoseeit，hesaid，clutchingatthedoor-postforsupport。

Whenthefarm-servanthaddoneso，hesteppedforward。Acryofjoybrokefromhislips。ThemanwhohadbeenshotinthethicketwasJamesVane。

Hestoodthereforsomeminuteslookingatthedeadbody。Asherodehome，hiseyeswerefulloftears，forheknewhewassafe。

ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter19Chapter19Thereisnouseyourtellingmethatyouaregoingtobegood，criedLordHenry，dippinghiswhitefingersintoaredcopperbowlfilledwithrose-water。

Youarequiteperfect。Pray，don’tchange。

DorianGrayshookhishead。No，Harry，Ihavedonetoomanydreadfulthingsinmylife。Iamnotgoingtodoanymore。Ibeganmygoodactionsyesterday。

Wherewereyouyesterday？

Inthecountry，Harry。Iwasstayingatalittleinnbymyself。

Mydearboy，saidLordHenry，smiling，anybodycanbegoodinthecountry。Therearenotemptationsthere。Thatisthereasonwhypeoplewholiveoutoftownaresoabsolutelyuncivilized。Civilizationisnotbyanymeansaneasythingtoattainto。Thereareonlytwowaysbywhichmancanreachit。Oneisbybeingcultured，theotherbybeingcorrupt。Countrypeoplehavenoopportunityofbeingeither，sotheystagnate。

Cultureandcorruption，echoedDorian。Ihaveknownsomethingofboth。Itseemsterribletomenowthattheyshouldeverbefoundtogether。

ForIhaveanewideal，Harry。Iamgoingtoalter。IthinkIhavealtered。

Youhavenotyettoldmewhatyourgoodactionwas。Ordidyousayyouhaddonemorethanone？askedhiscompanionashespilledintohisplatealittlecrimsonpyramidofseededstrawberriesand，throughaperforated，shell-shapedspoon，snowedwhitesugaruponthem。

Icantellyou，Harry。ItisnotastoryIcouldtelltoanyoneelse。Isparedsomebody。Itsoundsvain，butyouunderstandwhatI

mean。ShewasquitebeautifulandwonderfullylikeSibylVane。Ithinkitwasthatwhichfirstattractedmetoher。YourememberSibyl，don’tyou？Howlongagothatseems！Well，Hettywasnotoneofourownclass，ofcourse。Shewassimplyagirlinavillage。ButIreallylovedher。

IamquitesurethatIlovedher。AllduringthiswonderfulMaythatwehavebeenhaving，Iusedtorundownandseehertwoorthreetimesaweek。

Yesterdayshemetmeinalittleorchard。Theapple-blossomskepttumblingdownonherhair，andshewaslaughing。Weweretohavegoneawaytogetherthismorningatdawn。SuddenlyIdeterminedtoleaveherasflowerlikeasIhadfoundher。

Ishouldthinkthenoveltyoftheemotionmusthavegivenyouathrillofrealpleasure，Dorian，interruptedLordHenry。ButIcanfinishyouridyllforyou。Yougavehergoodadviceandbrokeherheart。

Thatwasthebeginningofyourreformation。

Harry，youarehorrible！Youmustn’tsaythesedreadfulthings。

Hetty’sheartisnotbroken。Ofcourse，shecriedandallthat。Butthereisnodisgraceuponher。Shecanlive，likePerdita，inhergardenofmintandmarigold。

AndweepoverafaithlessFlorizel，saidLordHenry，laughing，asheleanedbackinhischair。MydearDorian，youhavethemostcuriouslyboyishmoods。Doyouthinkthisgirlwilleverbereallycontentnowwithanyoneofherownrank？Isupposeshewillbemarriedsomedaytoaroughcarteroragrinningploughman。Well，thefactofhavingmetyou，andlovedyou，willteachhertodespiseherhusband，andshewillbewretched。Fromamoralpointofview，IcannotsaythatIthinkmuchofyourgreatrenunciation。

Evenasabeginning，itispoor。Besides，howdoyouknowthatHettyisn’tfloatingatthepresentmomentinsomestarlitmill-pond，withlovelywater-liliesroundher，likeOphelia？

Ican’tbearthis，Harry！Youmockateverything，andthensuggestthemostserioustragedies。IamsorryItoldyounow。Idon’tcarewhatyousaytome。IknowIwasrightinactingasIdid。PoorHetty！AsI

rodepastthefarmthismorning，Isawherwhitefaceatthewindow，likeasprayofjasmine。Don’tletustalkaboutitanymore，anddon’ttrytopersuademethatthefirstgoodactionIhavedoneforyears，thefirstlittlebitofself-sacrificeIhaveeverknown，isreallyasortofsin。

Iwanttobebetter。Iamgoingtobebetter。Tellmesomethingaboutyourself。

Whatisgoingonintown？Ihavenotbeentotheclubfordays。

ThepeoplearestilldiscussingpoorBasil’sdisappearance。

Ishouldhavethoughttheyhadgottiredofthatbythistime，

saidDorian，pouringhimselfoutsomewineandfrowningslightly。

Mydearboy，theyhaveonlybeentalkingaboutitforsixweeks，andtheBritishpublicarereallynotequaltothementalstrainofhavingmorethanonetopiceverythreemonths。Theyhavebeenveryfortunatelately，however。Theyhavehadmyowndivorce-caseandAlanCampbell’ssuicide。

Nowtheyhavegotthemysteriousdisappearanceofanartist。ScotlandYardstillinsiststhatthemaninthegreyulsterwholeftforParisbythemidnighttrainontheninthofNovemberwaspoorBasil，andtheFrenchpolicedeclarethatBasilneverarrivedinParisatall。IsupposeinaboutafortnightweshallbetoldthathehasbeenseeninSanFrancisco。Itisanoddthing，buteveryonewhodisappearsissaidtobeseenatSanFrancisco。Itmustbeadelightfulcity，andpossessalltheattractionsofthenextworld。

WhatdoyouthinkhashappenedtoBasil？askedDorian，holdinguphisBurgundyagainstthelightandwonderinghowitwasthathecoulddiscussthemattersocalmly。

Ihavenottheslightestidea。IfBasilchoosestohidehimself，itisnobusinessofmine。Ifheisdead，Idon’twanttothinkabouthim。

Deathistheonlythingthateverterrifiesme。Ihateit。

Why？saidtheyoungermanwearily。

Because，saidLordHenry，passingbeneathhisnostrilsthegilttrellisofanopenvinaigrettebox，onecansurviveeverythingnowadaysexceptthat。Deathandvulgarityaretheonlytwofactsinthenineteenthcenturythatonecannotexplainaway。Letushaveourcoffeeinthemusic-room，Dorian。YoumustplayChopintome。ThemanwithwhommywiferanawayplayedChopinexquisitely。PoorVictoria！Iwasveryfondofher。Thehouseisratherlonelywithouther。Ofcourse，marriedlifeismerelyahabit，abadhabit。Butthenoneregretsthelossevenofone’sworsthabits。

Perhapsoneregretsthemthemost。Theyaresuchanessentialpartofone’spersonality。

Doriansaidnothing，butrosefromthetable，andpassingintothenextroom，satdowntothepianoandlethisfingersstrayacrossthewhiteandblackivoryofthekeys。Afterthecoffeehadbeenbroughtin，hestopped，andlookingoveratLordHenry，said，Harry，diditeveroccurtoyouthatBasilwasmurdered？

LordHenryyawned。Basilwasverypopular，andalwaysworeaWaterburywatch。Whyshouldhehavebeenmurdered？Hewasnotcleverenoughtohaveenemies。Ofcourse，hehadawonderfulgeniusforpainting。ButamancanpaintlikeVelasquezandyetbeasdullaspossible。Basilwasreallyratherdull。Heonlyinterestedmeonce，andthatwaswhenhetoldme，yearsago，thathehadawildadorationforyouandthatyouwerethedominantmotiveofhisart。

IwasveryfondofBasil，saidDorianwithanoteofsadnessinhisvoice。Butdon’tpeoplesaythathewasmurdered？

Oh，someofthepapersdo。Itdoesnotseemtometobeatallprobable。IknowtherearedreadfulplacesinParis，butBasilwasnotthesortofmantohavegonetothem。Hehadnocuriosity。Itwashischiefdefect。

Whatwouldyousay，Harry，ifItoldyouthatIhadmurderedBasil？saidtheyoungerman。Hewatchedhimintentlyafterhehadspoken。

Iwouldsay，mydearfellow，thatyouwereposingforacharacterthatdoesn’tsuityou。Allcrimeisvulgar，justasallvulgarityiscrime。

Itisnotinyou，Dorian，tocommitamurder。IamsorryifIhurtyourvanitybysayingso，butIassureyouitistrue。Crimebelongsexclusivelytothelowerorders。Idon’tblametheminthesmallestdegree。Ishouldfancythatcrimewastothemwhatartistous，simplyamethodofprocuringextraordinarysensations。

Amethodofprocuringsensations？Doyouthink，then，thatamanwhohasoncecommittedamurdercouldpossiblydothesamecrimeagain？

Don’ttellmethat。

Oh！anythingbecomesapleasureifonedoesittoooften，criedLordHenry，laughing。Thatisoneofthemostimportantsecretsoflife。

Ishouldfancy，however，thatmurderisalwaysamistake。Oneshouldneverdoanythingthatonecannottalkaboutafterdinner。ButletuspassfrompoorBasil。IwishIcouldbelievethathehadcometosuchareallyromanticendasyousuggest，butIcan’t。IdaresayhefellintotheSeineoffanomnibusandthattheconductorhushedupthescandal。Yes：Ishouldfancythatwashisend。Iseehimlyingnowonhisbackunderthosedull-greenwaters，withtheheavybargesfloatingoverhimandlongweedscatchinginhishair。Doyouknow，Idon’tthinkhewouldhavedonemuchmoregoodwork。Duringthelasttenyearshispaintinghadgoneoffverymuch。

Dorianheavedasigh，andLordHenrystrolledacrosstheroomandbegantostroketheheadofacuriousJavaparrot，alarge，grey-plumagedbirdwithpinkcrestandtail，thatwasbalancingitselfuponabambooperch。Ashispointedfingerstouchedit，itdroppedthewhitescurfofcrinkledlidsoverblack，glasslikeeyesandbegantoswaybackwardsandforwards。

Yes，hecontinued，turningroundandtakinghishandkerchiefoutofhispocket。hispaintinghadquitegoneoff。Itseemedtometohavelostsomething。Ithadlostanideal。Whenyouandheceasedtobegreatfriends，heceasedtobeagreatartist。Whatwasitseparatedyou？

Isupposeheboredyou。Ifso，heneverforgaveyou。It’sahabitboreshave。Bytheway，whathasbecomeofthatwonderfulportraithedidofyou？Idon’tthinkIhaveeverseenitsincehefinishedit。Oh！IrememberyourtellingmeyearsagothatyouhadsentitdowntoSelby，andthatithadgotmislaidorstolenontheway。Younevergotitback？Whatapity！itwasreallyamasterpiece。IrememberIwantedtobuyit。IwishIhadnow。ItbelongedtoBasil’sbestperiod。Sincethen，hisworkwasthatcuriousmixtureofbadpaintingandgoodintentionsthatalwaysentitlesamantobecalledarepresentativeBritishartist。Didyouadvertiseforit？Youshould。

Iforget，saidDorian。IsupposeIdid。ButIneverreallylikedit。IamsorryIsatforit。Thememoryofthethingishatefultome。Whydoyoutalkofit？Itusedtoremindmeofthosecuriouslinesinsomeplay——Hamlet，Ithink——howdotheyrun？——

Likethepaintingofasorrow，Afacewithoutaheart。

Yes：thatiswhatitwaslike。

LordHenrylaughed。Ifamantreatslifeartistically，hisbrainishisheart，heanswered，sinkingintoanarm-chair。

DorianGrayshookhisheadandstrucksomesoftchordsonthepiano。’Likethepaintingofasorrow，’herepeated，’afacewithoutaheart。’

Theeldermanlaybackandlookedathimwithhalf-closedeyes。

Bytheway，Dorian，hesaidafterapause，’whatdoesitprofitamanifhegainthewholeworldandlose——howdoesthequotationrun？——hisownsoul’？

Themusicjarred，andDorianGraystartedandstaredathisfriend。

Whydoyouaskmethat，Harry？

Mydearfellow，saidLordHenry，elevatinghiseyebrowsinsurprise，IaskedyoubecauseIthoughtyoumightbeabletogivemeananswer。

Thatisall。IwasgoingthroughtheparklastSunday，andclosebytheMarbleArchtherestoodalittlecrowdofshabby-lookingpeoplelisteningtosomevulgarstreet-preacher。AsIpassedby，Iheardthemanyellingoutthatquestiontohisaudience。Itstruckmeasbeingratherdramatic。

Londonisveryrichincuriouseffectsofthatkind。AwetSunday，anuncouthChristianinamackintosh，aringofsicklywhitefacesunderabrokenroofofdrippingumbrellas，andawonderfulphraseflungintotheairbyshrillhystericallips——itwasreallyverygoodinitsway，quiteasuggestion。

Ithoughtoftellingtheprophetthatarthadasoul，butthatmanhadnot。Iamafraid，however，hewouldnothaveunderstoodme。

Don’t，Harry。Thesoulisaterriblereality。Itcanbebought，andsold，andbarteredaway。Itcanbepoisoned，ormadeperfect。Thereisasoulineachoneofus。Iknowit。

Doyoufeelquitesureofthat，Dorian？

Quitesure。

Ah！thenitmustbeanillusion。Thethingsonefeelsabsolutelycertainaboutarenevertrue。Thatisthefatalityoffaith，andthelessonofromance。Howgraveyouare！Don’tbesoserious。WhathaveyouorI

todowiththesuperstitionsofourage？No：wehavegivenupourbeliefinthesoul。Playmesomething。Playmeanocturne，Dorian，and，asyouplay，tellme，inalowvoice，howyouhavekeptyouryouth。Youmusthavesomesecret。Iamonlytenyearsolderthanyouare，andIamwrinkled，andworn，andyellow。Youarereallywonderful，Dorian。Youhaveneverlookedmorecharmingthanyoudoto-night。YouremindmeofthedayIsawyoufirst。Youwererathercheeky，veryshy，andabsolutelyextraordinary。

Youhavechanged，ofcourse，butnotinappearance。Iwishyouwouldtellmeyoursecret。TogetbackmyyouthIwoulddoanythingintheworld，excepttakeexercise，getupearly，orberespectable。Youth！Thereisnothinglikeit。It’sabsurdtotalkoftheignoranceofyouth。TheonlypeopletowhoseopinionsIlistennowwithanyrespectarepeoplemuchyoungerthanmyself。Theyseeminfrontofme。Lifehasrevealedtothemherlatestwonder。Asfortheaged，Ialwayscontradicttheaged。Idoitonprinciple。Ifyouaskthemtheiropiniononsomethingthathappenedyesterday，theysolemnlygiveyoutheopinionscurrentin1820，whenpeopleworehighstocks，believedineverything，andknewabsolutelynothing。

Howlovelythatthingyouareplayingis！Iwonder，didChopinwriteitatMajorca，withtheseaweepingroundthevillaandthesaltspraydashingagainstthepanes？Itismarvellouslyromantic。Whatablessingitisthatthereisoneartlefttousthatisnotimitative！Don’tstop。Iwantmusicto-night。ItseemstomethatyouaretheyoungApolloandthatIamMarsyaslisteningtoyou。Ihavesorrows，Dorian，ofmyown，thatevenyouknownothingof。Thetragedyofoldageisnotthatoneisold，butthatoneisyoung。Iamamazedsometimesatmyownsincerity。Ah，Dorian，howhappyyouare！Whatanexquisitelifeyouhavehad！Youhavedrunkdeeplyofeverything。Youhavecrushedthegrapesagainstyourpalate。Nothinghasbeenhiddenfromyou。Andithasallbeentoyounomorethanthesoundofmusic。Ithasnotmarredyou。Youarestillthesame。

Iamnotthesame，Harry。

Yes，youarethesame。Iwonderwhattherestofyourlifewillbe。Don’tspoilitbyrenunciations。Atpresentyouareaperfecttype。

Don’tmakeyourselfincomplete。Youarequiteflawlessnow。Youneednotshakeyourhead：youknowyouare。Besides，Dorian，don’tdeceiveyourself。

Lifeisnotgovernedbywillorintention。Lifeisaquestionofnerves，andfibres，andslowlybuilt-upcellsinwhichthoughthidesitselfandpassionhasitsdreams。Youmayfancyyourselfsafeandthinkyourselfstrong。Butachancetoneofcolourinaroomoramorningsky，aparticularperfumethatyouhadoncelovedandthatbringssubtlememorieswithit，alinefromaforgottenpoemthatyouhadcomeacrossagain，acadencefromapieceofmusicthatyouhadceasedtoplay——Itellyou，Dorian，thatitisonthingslikethesethatourlivesdepend。Browningwritesaboutthatsomewhere。butourownsenseswillimaginethemforus。Therearemomentswhentheodouroflilasblancpassessuddenlyacrossme，andIhavetolivethestrangestmonthofmylifeoveragain。IwishIcouldchangeplaceswithyou，Dorian。Theworldhascriedoutagainstusboth，butithasalwaysworshippedyou。Italwayswillworshipyou。

Youarethetypeofwhattheageissearchingfor，andwhatitisafraidithasfound。Iamsogladthatyouhaveneverdoneanything，nevercarvedastatue，orpaintedapicture，orproducedanythingoutsideofyourself！

Lifehasbeenyourart。Youhavesetyourselftomusic。Yourdaysareyoursonnets。

Dorianroseupfromthepianoandpassedhishandthroughhishair。Yes，lifehasbeenexquisite，hemurmured，butIamnotgoingtohavethesamelife，Harry。Andyoumustnotsaytheseextravagantthingstome。Youdon’tknoweverythingaboutme。Ithinkthatifyoudid，evenyouwouldturnfromme。Youlaugh。Don’tlaugh。

Whyhaveyoustoppedplaying，Dorian？Gobackandgivemethenocturneoveragain。Lookatthatgreat，honey-colouredmoonthathangsintheduskyair。Sheiswaitingforyoutocharmher，andifyouplayshewillcomeclosertotheearth。Youwon’t？Letusgototheclub，then。

Ithasbeenacharmingevening，andwemustenditcharmingly。ThereissomeoneatWhite’swhowantsimmenselytoknowyou——youngLordPoole，Bournemouth’seldestson。Hehasalreadycopiedyourneckties，andhasbeggedmetointroducehimtoyou。Heisquitedelightfulandratherremindsmeofyou。

Ihopenot，saidDorianwithasadlookinhiseyes。ButI

amtiredto-night，Harry。Ishan’tgototheclub。Itisnearlyeleven，andIwanttogotobedearly。

Dostay。Youhaveneverplayedsowellasto-night。Therewassomethinginyourtouchthatwaswonderful。IthadmoreexpressionthanIhadeverheardfromitbefore。

ItisbecauseIamgoingtobegood，heanswered，smiling。I

amalittlechangedalready。

Youcannotchangetome，Dorian，saidLordHenry。YouandI

willalwaysbefriends。

Yetyoupoisonedmewithabookonce。Ishouldnotforgivethat。

Harry，promisemethatyouwillneverlendthatbooktoanyone。Itdoesharm。

Mydearboy，youarereallybeginningtomoralize。Youwillsoonbegoingaboutliketheconverted，andtherevivalist，warningpeopleagainstallthesinsofwhichyouhavegrowntired。Youaremuchtoodelightfultodothat。Besides，itisnouse。YouandIarewhatweare，andwillbewhatwewillbe。Asforbeingpoisonedbyabook，thereisnosuchthingasthat。Arthasnoinfluenceuponaction。Itannihilatesthedesiretoact。Itissuperblysterile。Thebooksthattheworldcallsimmoralarebooksthatshowtheworlditsownshame。Thatisall。Butwewon’tdiscussliterature。Comeroundto-morrow。Iamgoingtorideateleven。Wemightgotogether，andIwilltakeyoutolunchafterwardswithLadyBranksome。

Sheisacharmingwoman，andwantstoconsultyouaboutsometapestriessheisthinkingofbuying。Mindyoucome。Orshallwelunchwithourlittleduchess？Shesayssheneverseesyounow。PerhapsyouaretiredofGladys？

Ithoughtyouwouldbe。Herclevertonguegetsonone’snerves。Well，inanycase，behereateleven。

MustIreallycome，Harry？

Certainly。Theparkisquitelovelynow。Idon’tthinktherehavebeensuchlilacssincetheyearImetyou。

Verywell。Ishallbehereateleven，saidDorian。Goodnight，Harry。Ashereachedthedoor，hehesitatedforamoment，asifhehadsomethingmoretosay。Thenhesighedandwentout。

ThePictureofDorianGray：Chapter20Chapter20Itwasalovelynight，sowarmthathethrewhiscoatoverhisarmanddidnotevenputhissilkscarfroundhisthroat。Ashestrolledhome，smokinghiscigarette，twoyoungmenineveningdresspassedhim。Heheardoneofthemwhispertotheother，ThatisDorianGray。Herememberedhowpleasedheusedtobewhenhewaspointedout，orstaredat，ortalkedabout。Hewastiredofhearinghisownnamenow。Halfthecharmofthelittlevillagewherehehadbeensooftenlatelywasthatnooneknewwhohewas。Hehadoftentoldthegirlwhomhehadluredtolovehimthathewaspoor，andshehadbelievedhim。Hehadtoldheroncethathewaswicked，andshehadlaughedathimandansweredthatwickedpeoplewerealwaysveryoldandveryugly。Whatalaughshehad！——justlikeathrushsinging。

Andhowprettyshehadbeeninhercottondressesandherlargehats！Sheknewnothing，butshehadeverythingthathehadlost。

Whenhereachedhome，hefoundhisservantwaitingupforhim。

Hesenthimtobed，andthrewhimselfdownonthesofainthelibrary，andbegantothinkoversomeofthethingsthatLordHenryhadsaidtohim。

Wasitreallytruethatonecouldneverchange？Hefeltawildlongingfortheunstainedpurityofhisboyhood——hisrose-whiteboyhood，asLordHenryhadoncecalledit。Heknewthathehadtarnishedhimself，filledhismindwithcorruptionandgivenhorrortohisfancy。thathehadbeenanevilinfluencetoothers，andhadexperiencedaterriblejoyinbeingso。andthatofthelivesthathadcrossedhisown，ithadbeenthefairestandthemostfullofpromisethathehadbroughttoshame。

Butwasitallirretrievable？Wastherenohopeforhim？

Ah！inwhatamonstrousmomentofprideandpassionhehadprayedthattheportraitshouldbeartheburdenofhisdays，andhekeeptheunsulliedsplendourofeternalyouth！Allhisfailurehadbeenduetothat。Betterforhimthateachsinofhislifehadbroughtitssureswiftpenaltyalongwithit。Therewaspurificationinpunishment。NotForgiveusoursins

butSmiteusforouriniquitiesshouldbetheprayerofmantoamostjustGod。

ThecuriouslycarvedmirrorthatLordHenryhadgiventohim，somanyyearsagonow，wasstandingonthetable，andthewhite-limbedCupidslaughedrounditasofold。Hetookitup，ashehaddoneonthatnightofhorrorwhenbehadfirstnotedthechangeinthefatalpicture，andwithwild，tear-dimmedeyeslookedintoitspolishedshield。Once，someonewhohadterriblylovedhimhadwrittentohimamadletter，endingwiththeseidolatrouswords：Theworldischangedbecauseyouaremadeofivoryandgold。Thecurvesofyourlipsrewritehistory。Thephrasescamebacktohismemory，andherepeatedthemoverandovertohimself。

Thenheloathedhisownbeauty，andflingingthemirroronthefloor，crusheditintosilversplintersbeneathhisheel。Itwashisbeautythathadruinedhim，hisbeautyandtheyouththathehadprayedfor。Butforthosetwothings，hislifemighthavebeenfreefromstain。Hisbeautyhadbeentohimbutamask，hisyouthbutamockery。Whatwasyouthatbest？Agreen，anunripetime，atimeofshallowmoods，andsicklythoughts。Whyhadhewornitslivery？Youthhadspoiledhim。

Itwasbetternottothinkofthepast。Nothingcouldalterthat。

Itwasofhimself，andofhisownfuture，thathehadtothink。JamesVanewashiddeninanamelessgraveinSelbychurchyard。AlanCampbellhadshothimselfonenightinhislaboratory，buthadnotrevealedthesecretthathehadbeenforcedtoknow。Theexcitement，suchasitwas，overBasilHallward’sdisappearancewouldsoonpassaway。Itwasalreadywaning。Hewasperfectlysafethere。Nor，indeed，wasitthedeathofBasilHallwardthatweighedmostuponhismind。Itwasthelivingdeathofhisownsoulthattroubledhim。Basilhadpaintedtheportraitthathadmarredhislife。

Hecouldnotforgivehimthat。Itwastheportraitthathaddoneeverything。

Basilhadsaidthingstohimthatwereunbearable，andthathehadyetbornewithpatience。Themurderhadbeensimplythemadnessofamoment。

AsforAlanCampbell，hissuicidehadbeenhisownact。Hehadchosentodoit。Itwasnothingtohim。

Anewlife！Thatwaswhathewanted。Thatwaswhathewaswaitingfor。Surelyhehadbegunitalready。Hehadsparedoneinnocentthing，atanyrate。Hewouldneveragaintemptinnocence。Hewouldbegood。

AshethoughtofHettyMerton，hebegantowonderiftheportraitinthelockedroomhadchanged。Surelyitwasnotstillsohorribleasithadbeen？Perhapsifhislifebecamepure，hewouldbeabletoexpeleverysignofevilpassionfromtheface。Perhapsthesignsofevilhadalreadygoneaway。Hewouldgoandlook。

Hetookthelampfromthetableandcreptupstairs。Asheunbarredthedoor，asmileofjoyflittedacrosshisstrangelyyoung-lookingfaceandlingeredforamomentabouthislips。Yes，hewouldbegood，andthehideousthingthathehadhiddenawaywouldnolongerbeaterrortohim。

Hefeltasiftheloadhadbeenliftedfromhimalready。

Hewentinquietly，lockingthedoorbehindhim，aswashiscustom，anddraggedthepurplehangingfromtheportrait。Acryofpainandindignationbrokefromhim。Hecouldseenochange，savethatintheeyestherewasalookofcunningandinthemouththecurvedwrinkleofthehypocrite。

Thethingwasstillloathsome——moreloathsome，ifpossible，thanbefore——andthescarletdewthatspottedthehandseemedbrighter，andmorelikebloodnewlyspilled。Thenhetrembled。Haditbeenmerelyvanitythathadmadehimdohisonegooddeed？Orthedesireforanewsensation，asLordHenryhadhinted，withhismockinglaugh？Orthatpassiontoactapartthatsometimesmakesusdothingsfinerthanweareourselves？Or，perhaps，allthese？Andwhywastheredstainlargerthanithadbeen？Itseemedtohavecreptlikeahorriblediseaseoverthewrinkledfingers。Therewasbloodonthepaintedfeet，asthoughthethinghaddripped——bloodevenonthehandthathadnotheldtheknife。Confess？Diditmeanthathewastoconfess？Togivehimselfupandbeputtodeath？Helaughed。Hefeltthattheideawasmonstrous。Besides，evenifhedidconfess，whowouldbelievehim？Therewasnotraceofthemurderedmananywhere。Everythingbelongingtohimhadbeendestroyed。Hehimselfhadburnedwhathadbeenbelow-stairs。Theworldwouldsimplysaythathewasmad。Theywouldshuthimupifhepersistedinhisstory……Yetitwashisdutytoconfess，tosufferpublicshame，andtomakepublicatonement。TherewasaGodwhocalleduponmentotelltheirsinstoearthaswellastoheaven。Nothingthathecoulddowouldcleansehimtillhehadtoldhisownsin。Hissin？

Heshruggedhisshoulders。ThedeathofBasilHallwardseemedverylittletohim。HewasthinkingofHettyMerton。Foritwasanunjustmirror，thismirrorofhissoulthathewaslookingat。Vanity？Curiosity？Hypocrisy？

Hadtherebeennothingmoreinhisrenunciationthanthat？Therehadbeensomethingmore。Atleasthethoughtso。Butwhocouldtell？……No。Therehadbeennothingmore。Throughvanityhehadsparedher。Inhypocrisyhehadwornthemaskofgoodness。Forcuriosity’ssakehehadtriedthedenialofself。Herecognizedthatnow。

Butthismurder——wasittodoghimallhislife？Washealwaystobeburdenedbyhispast？Washereallytoconfess？Never。Therewasonlyonebitofevidenceleftagainsthim。Thepictureitself——thatwasevidence。Hewoulddestroyit。Whyhadhekeptitsolong？Onceithadgivenhimpleasuretowatchitchangingandgrowingold。Oflatehehadfeltnosuchpleasure。Ithadkepthimawakeatnight。Whenhehadbeenaway，hehadbeenfilledwithterrorlestothereyesshouldlookuponit。

Ithadbroughtmelancholyacrosshispassions。Itsmerememoryhadmarredmanymomentsofjoy。Ithadbeenlikeconsciencetohim。Yes，ithadbeenconscience。Hewoulddestroyit。

HelookedroundandsawtheknifethathadstabbedBasilHallward。

Hehadcleaneditmanytimes，tilltherewasnostainleftuponit。Itwasbright，andglistened。Asithadkilledthepainter，soitwouldkillthepainter’swork，andallthatthatmeant。Itwouldkillthepast，andwhenthatwasdead，hewouldbefree。Itwouldkillthismonstroussoul-life，andwithoutitshideouswarnings，hewouldbeatpeace。Heseizedthething，andstabbedthepicturewithit。

Therewasacryheard，andacrash。Thecrywassohorribleinitsagonythatthefrightenedservantswokeandcreptoutoftheirrooms。

Twogentlemen，whowerepassinginthesquarebelow，stoppedandlookedupatthegreathouse。Theywalkedontilltheymetapolicemanandbroughthimback。Themanrangthebellseveraltimes，buttherewasnoanswer。

Exceptforalightinoneofthetopwindows，thehousewasalldark。Afteratime，hewentawayandstoodinanadjoiningporticoandwatched。

Whosehouseisthat，Constable？askedtheelderofthetwogentlemen。

Mr。DorianGray’s，sir，answeredthepoliceman。

Theylookedateachother，astheywalkedaway，andsneered。OneofthemwasSirHenryAshton’suncle。

Inside，intheservants’partofthehouse，thehalf-claddomesticsweretalkinginlowwhisperstoeachother。OldMrs。Leafwascryingandwringingherhands。Franciswasaspaleasdeath。

Afteraboutaquarterofanhour，hegotthecoachmanandoneofthefootmenandcreptupstairs。Theyknocked，buttherewasnoreply。

Theycalledout。Everythingwasstill。Finally，aftervainlytryingtoforcethedoor，theygotontheroofanddroppeddownontothebalcony。

Thewindowsyieldedeasily——theirboltswereold。

Whentheyentered，theyfoundhanginguponthewallasplendidportraitoftheirmasterastheyhadlastseenhim，inallthewonderofhisexquisiteyouthandbeauty。Lyingonthefloorwasadeadman，ineveningdress，withaknifeinhisheart。Hewaswithered，wrinkled，andloathsomeofvisage。Itwasnottilltheyhadexaminedtheringsthattheyrecognizedwhoitwas。

THEEND