Pagina 384 di 490

"Now, Alan, there is not a moment to be lost. How heavy this

chest is! I'll take it for you. You bring the other things." He

spoke rapidly and in an authoritative manner. Campbell felt

dominated by him. They left the room together.

When they reached the top landing, Dorian took out the key and

turned it in the lock. Then he stopped, and a troubled look came

into his eyes. He shuddered. "I don't think I can go in, Alan,"

he murmured.

"It is nothing to me. I don't require you," said Campbell coldly.

Dorian half opened the door. As he did so, he saw the face of his

portrait leering in the sunlight. On the floor in front of it the

torn curtain was lying. He remembered that the night before he

had forgotten, for the first time in his life, to hide the fatal

canvas, and was about to rush forward, when he drew back with a

shudder.