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"Yes," answered Lord Henry dreamily, "the costume of the

nineteenth century is detestable. It is so sombre, so depressing.

Sin is the only real colour-element left in modern life."

"You really must not say things like that before Dorian, Harry."

"Before which Dorian? The one who is pouring out tea for us, or

the one in the picture?"

"Before either."

"I should like to come to the theatre with you, Lord Henry," said

the lad.

"Then you shall come; and you will come, too, Basil, won't you?"

"I can't, really. I would sooner not. I have a lot of work to

do."

"Well, then, you and I will go alone, Mr. Gray."

"I should like that awfully."

The painter bit his lip and walked over, cup in hand, to the

picture. "I shall stay with the real Dorian," he said, sadly.

"Is it the real Dorian?" cried the original of the portrait,

strolling across to him. "Am I really like that?"

"Yes; you are just like that."

"How wonderful, Basil!"