e-noteyes.Shewasacuriouswoman,whosedressesalwayslookedasiftheyhadbeendesignedinarageandputoninatempest.Shewasusuallyihsomebody,and,asherpassionwasurned,shehadkeptallherillusions.Shetriedtolookpicturesque,butonlysucceededinbeinguntidy.HernamewasVictoria,andshehadaperfeiafoingtochurch.

    "ThatwasatLohengrin,LadyHenry,Ithink?"

    "Yes;itwasatdearLohengrin.IlikeWagnersmusicbetterthananybodys.Itissoloudthatoalkthewholetimewithoutotherpeoplehearingwhatonesays.Thatisagreatadvantage,dontyouthinksray?"

    Thesamenervousstaccatolaughbrokefromherthinlips,andherfingersbegantoplaywithalongtortoise-shellpaper-knife.

    Doriansmiledandshookhishead:"IamafraidIdontthinkso,LadyHenry.Ialkduringmusic--atleast,duringgoodmusic.Ifonehearsbadmusic,itisoytodrownitinversation."

    "Ah!thatisoneofHarrysviews,isntit,Mr.Gray?IalwayshearHarrysviewsfromhisfriends.ItistheonlywayIgettoknowofthem.ButyoumustnotthinkIdontlikegoodmusic.Iadoreit,butIamafraidofit.Itmakesmetooromantic.Ihavesimplyworshippedpianists--twoatatime,sometimes,Harrytellsme.Idontknowwhatitisaboutthem.Perhapsitisthattheyarefheyallare,aintthey?EventhosethatareborninEnglandbeefnersafteratime,doissocleverofthem,andsuplimenttoart.Makesitquiteopolitait?Youhaveneverbeentoanyofmyparties,haveyray?Youmuste.Itaffordorchids,butIsharenoexpenseinfheymakeonesroomslooksopicturesque.ButhereisHarry!Harry,Icameintolookforyou,toaskyousomething--Ifetwhatitwas--andIfoundMr.Grayhere.Wehavehadsuchapleasantcha