Calico Illustrated Classics: Picture of Dorian Gray
Dorian Gray Is that his name asked Lord Henry walking across the studio Yes Basil replied Lord Henry stared at the portrait with intrigue And where did you meet Dorian Gray The story is simple the painter said Two months ago I attended a party at Lady Brandon’s estate You know we poor artists must show ourselves in society from time to time I was there about ten minutes when I had the feeling that someone was watching me I turned halfway around and saw Dorian Gray for the fi rst time I knew right off that he was a fascinating person yet I felt a chill of fear But once Lady Brandon introduced us we became friends at once Lord Henry nodded And you see him often Nearly every day now that I’m painting his portrait He has inspired me Because of him I am a better artist 6
I must meet him Lord Henry exclaimed Basil was reluctant I don’t want you to meet him You don’t want me to meet him No Basil said But it was too late The butler entered saying Mr Dorian Gray is here sir You have to introduce me now cried Lord Henry laughing The painter turned to the butler who stood blinking in the sunlight Ask Mr Gray to wait a few moments The man bowed and left Basil turned to Lord Henry Dorian Gray is my dearest friend he said Please don’t be a bad infl uence on him My art has improved since I met Dorian Please don’t do anything to hurt that Nonsense said Lord Henry smiling Then he led Basil from the studio 8
2 As they entered the music room they saw Dorian Gray He was seated at the piano looking over some of the sheet music You must lend me some of these Basil he cried I want to learn to play them They are perfectly charming Well Basil teased that depends on how well you pose today I’m tired of sitting and posing And I don’t want a life-sized portrait of myself he said as he spun around on the music stool His cheeks blushed when he saw Lord Henry standing there I beg your pardon Basil I didn’t know you had anyone with you This is Lord Henry Wotton Basil said He’s an old Oxford friend of mine I have 9
