Pagina 318 de 490

Of such insolences and attempted slights he, of course, took no

notice, and in the opinion of most people his frank debonair

manner, his charming boyish smile, and the infinite grace of that

wonderful youth that seemed never to leave him, were in

themselves a sufficient answer to the calumnies, for so they

termed them, that were circulated about him. It was remarked,

however, that some of those who had been most intimate with him

appeared, after a time, to shun him. Women who had wildly adored

him, and for his sake had braved all social censure and set

convention at defiance, were seen to grow pallid with shame or

horror if Dorian Gray entered the room.