صفحة 433 من 490

"My dear Gladys!" cried Lord Henry. "How can you say that?

Romance lives by repetition, and repetition converts an appetite

into an art. Besides, each time that one loves is the only time

one has ever loved. Difference of object does not alter

singleness of passion. It merely intensifies it. We can have in

life but one great experience at best, and the secret of life is

to reproduce that experience as often as possible."

"Even when one has been wounded by it, Harry?" asked the duchess

after a pause.

"Especially when one has been wounded by it," answered Lord

Henry.

The duchess turned and looked at Dorian Gray with a curious

expression in her eyes. "What do you say to that, Mr. Gray?" she

inquired.

Dorian hesitated for a moment. Then he threw his head back and

laughed. "I always agree with Harry, Duchess."

"Even when he is wrong?"

"Harry is never wrong, Duchess."

"And does his philosophy make you happy?"

"I have never searched for happiness. Who wants happiness? I have

searched for pleasure."