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"Ah, then," said Lord Henry, rising to go, "then, my dear Dorian,

you would have to fight for your victories. As it is, they are

brought to you. No, you must keep your good looks. We live in an

age that reads too much to be wise, and that thinks too much to

be beautiful. We cannot spare you. And now you had better dress

and drive down to the club. We are rather late, as it is."

"I think I shall join you at the opera, Harry. I feel too tired

to eat anything. What is the number of your sister's box?"

"Twenty-seven, I believe. It is on the grand tier. You will see

her name on the door. But I am sorry you won't come and dine."

"I don't feel up to it," said Dorian listlessly. "But I am

awfully obliged to you for all that you have said to me. You are

certainly my best friend. No one has ever understood me as you

have."