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"I adore simple pleasures," said Lord Henry. "They are the last

refuge of the complex. But I don't like scenes, except on the

stage. What absurd fellows you are, both of you! I wonder who it

was defined man as a rational animal. It was the most premature

definition ever given. Man is many things, but he is not

rational. I am glad he is not, after all-though I wish you chaps

would not squabble over the picture. You had much better let me

have it, Basil. This silly boy doesn't really want it, and I

really do."

"If you let any one have it but me, Basil, I shall never forgive

you!" cried Dorian Gray; "and I don't allow people to call me a

silly boy."

"You know the picture is yours, Dorian. I gave it to you before

it existed."

"And you know you have been a little silly, Mr. Gray, and that

you don't really object to being reminded that you are extremely

young."

"I should have objected very strongly this morning, Lord Henry."

"Ah! this morning! You have lived since then."