Imetyou,somethiothrobinmyveins.AsIlouhepark,orstrolleddownPiccadilly,Iusedtolookateveryonewhopassedmeandwonder,withamadcuriosity,whatsortoflivestheyled.Someofthemfasatedme.Othersfilledmewithterror.Therewasanexquisitepoisonintheair.Ihadapassionforsensations....Well,oneeveningaboutsevenoclock,Idetermiogooutinseareadventure.IfeltthatthisgreymonstrousLondonofours,withitsmyriadsofpeople,itssordidsinners,anditssplendidsins,asyouoncephrasedit,musthavesomethinginstoreforme.Ifahousandthings.Themeredangergavemeasenseofdelight.Irememberedwhatyouhadsaidtomeonthatwonderfuleveningwhenwefirstdiogether,aboutthesearchforbeautybeingtherealsecretoflife.IdontknowwhatIexpected,butIwentoutandwanderedeastward,soonlosingmywayinalabyrinthofgrimystreetsandblackgrasslesssquares.Abouthalf-pasteightIpassedbyanabsurdlittletheatre,withgreatflaringgas-jetsandgaudyplay-bills.AhideousJew,iamazingwaistcoatIeverbeheldinmylife,wasstandingattheentrance,smokingavilecigar.Hehadgreasyris,andanenormousdiamondblazedireofasoiledshirt.Haveabox,myLord?hesaid,whenhesawme,aookoffhishatwithanaireousservility.Therewassomethingabouthim,Harry,thatamusedme.Hewassuchamonster.Youwilllaughatme,Iknow,butIreallywentinandpaidawholeguineaforthestage-box.TothepresentdayItmakeoutwhyIdidso;aifIhadnt--mydearHarry,ifIhadnt--Ishouldhavemissedthegreatestromanylife.Iseeyouarelaughing.Itishorridofyou!"

    "Iamnotlaughing,Dorian;atleastIamnotlaughingatyou.Butyoushouldnotsaythegreatestromanceofyourlife.Youshouldsaythefirstromanceof