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There came a knock at the door, and the butler entered with a

laden tea-tray and set it down upon a small Japanese table. There

was a rattle of cups and saucers and the hissing of a fluted

Georgian urn. Two globe-shaped china dishes were brought in by a

page. Dorian Gray went over and poured out the tea. The two men

sauntered languidly to the table and examined what was under the

covers.

"Let us go to the theatre to-night," said Lord Henry. "There is

sure to be something on, somewhere. I have promised to dine at

White's, but it is only with an old friend, so I can send him a

wire to say that I am ill, or that I am prevented from coming in

consequence of a subsequent engagement. I think that would be a

rather nice excuse: it would have all the surprise of candour."

"It is such a bore putting on one's dress-clothes," muttered

Hallward. "And, when one has them on, they are so horrid."