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"At least you are like it in appearance. But it will never

alter," sighed Hallward. "That is something."

"What a fuss people make about fidelity!" exclaimed Lord Henry.

"Why, even in love it is purely a question for physiology. It has

nothing to do with our own will. Young men want to be faithful,

and are not; old men want to be faithless, and cannot: that is

all one can say."

"Don't go to the theatre to-night, Dorian," said Hallward. "Stop

and dine with me."

"I can't, Basil."

"Why?"

"Because I have promised Lord Henry Wotton to go with him."

"He won't like you the better for keeping your promises. He

always breaks his own. I beg you not to go."

Dorian Gray laughed and shook his head.

"I entreat you."

The lad hesitated, and looked over at Lord Henry, who was

watching them from the tea-table with an amused smile.

"I must go, Basil," he answered.