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"Oh, I am tired of sitting, and I don't want a life-sized

portrait of myself," answered the lad, swinging round on the

music-stool in a wilful, petulant manner. When he caught sight of

Lord Henry, a faint blush coloured his cheeks for a moment, and

he started up. "I beg your pardon, Basil, but I didn't know you

had any one with you."

"This is Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian, an old Oxford friend of mine.

I have just been telling him what a capital sitter you were, and

now you have spoiled everything."

"You have not spoiled my pleasure in meeting you, Mr. Gray," said

Lord Henry, stepping forward and extending his hand. "My aunt has

often spoken to me about you. You are one of her favourites, and,

I am afraid, one of her victims also."