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"Women are not always allowed a choice," he answered, but hardly

had he finished the sentence before from the far end of the

conservatory came a stifled groan, followed by the dull sound of

a heavy fall. Everybody started up. The duchess stood motionless

in horror. And with fear in his eyes, Lord Henry rushed through

the flapping palms to find Dorian Gray lying face downwards on

the tiled floor in a deathlike swoon.

He was carried at once into the blue drawing-room and laid upon

one of the sofas. After a short time, he came to himself and

looked round with a dazed expression.

"What has happened?" he asked. "Oh! I remember. Am I safe here,

Harry?" He began to tremble.

"My dear Dorian," answered Lord Henry, "you merely fainted. That

was all. You must have overtired yourself. You had better not

come down to dinner. I will take your place."

"No, I will come down," he said, struggling to his feet. "I would

rather come down. I must not be alone."