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"Don't look so angry, Basil. It was at my aunt, Lady Agatha's.

She told me she had discovered a wonderful young man who was

going to help her in the East End, and that his name was Dorian

Gray. I am bound to state that she never told me he was

good-looking. Women have no appreciation of good looks; at least,

good women have not. She said that he was very earnest and had a

beautiful nature. I at once pictured to myself a creature with

spectacles and lank hair, horribly freckled, and tramping about

on huge feet. I wish I had known it was your friend."

"I am very glad you didn't, Harry."

"Why?"

"I don't want you to meet him."

"You don't want me to meet him?"

"No."

"Mr. Dorian Gray is in the studio, sir," said the butler, coming

into the garden.

"You must introduce me now," cried Lord Henry, laughing.

The painter turned to his servant, who stood blinking in the

sunlight. "Ask Mr. Gray to wait, Parker: I shall be in in a few

moments." The man bowed and went up the walk.