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The elder man laughed. "The only horrible thing in the world is

ennui, Dorian. That is the one sin for which there is no

forgiveness. But we are not likely to suffer from it unless these

fellows keep chattering about this thing at dinner. I must tell

them that the subject is to be tabooed. As for omens, there is no

such thing as an omen. Destiny does not send us heralds. She is

too wise or too cruel for that. Besides, what on earth could

happen to you, Dorian? You have everything in the world that a

man can want. There is no one who would not be delighted to

change places with you."

"There is no one with whom I would not change places, Harry.

Don't laugh like that. I am telling you the truth. The wretched

peasant who has just died is better off than I am. I have no

terror of death. It is the coming of death that terrifies me. Its

monstrous wings seem to wheel in the leaden air around me. Good

heavens! don't you see a man moving behind the trees there,

watching me, waiting for me?"