Chapter2

    AstheyeheysawDray.Hewasseatedatthepiano,withhisba,turnihepagesofavolumeofSchumanns"ForestSes.""Youmustlehese,Basil,"hecried."Iwanttolearheyareperfectlycharming."

    "Thatentirelydependsonhowyousitto-day,Dorian."

    "Oh,Iamtiredofsitting,andIdontwantalife-sizedportraitofmyself,"ahelad,swingingroundonthemusic-stoolinawilful,petulantmanner.WhenhecaughtsightofLordHenry,afaintblushcolouredhischeeksforamoment,aartedup."Ibegyourpardon,Basil,butIdidntknowyouhadahyou."

    "ThisisLordHenryWotton,Dorian,anoldOxfordfriendofmine.Ihavejustbeentellinghimitalsitteryouwere,andnowyouhavespoiledeverything."

    "Youhavenotspoiledmypleasureiingyray,"saidLordHenry,steppingforwardaendinghishand."Myaunthasoftenspokentomeaboutyou.Youareoneofherfavourites,and,Iamafraid,oneofhervictimsalso."

    "IaminLadyAgathasblackbooksatpresent,"answeredDorianwithafunnylookofpenitence."IpromisedtogotoaclubinWhitechapelwithherlastTuesday,andIreallyfotallaboutit.Weweretohaveplayedaduettogether--threeduets,Ibelieve.Idontknowwhatshewillsaytome.Iamfarthteocall."

    "Oh,Iwillmakeyourpeacewithmyaunt.Sheisquitedevotedtoyou.AndIdontthinkitreallymattersaboutyourhere.Theaudienceprobablythoughtitwasaduet.WhenAuntAgathasitsdowntothepiano,shemakesquiteenoughwopeople."

    "Thatisveryhorridtoher,andnotveryome,"answeredDorian,laughing.

    LordHenrylooked