THE PICTURE OF aa RRO AKC Vga 3CHAPTER | 2 Tight breeze filed the studio with the sweet smell of flowers. A painting stood on an easel in the middle of the room It was a ife- Sined poreait of an extraordinarily handsome young man. The artist, Bas Halwa, was siting infront of the portrait and Lord Henry Wotton was felaxingon the sofa, smoking a pipe is your best work yt, Basis” suid Lord Henry as he removed the pipe from his lips. "You must exhibit it ata gallery.” asl shook his head. "I don't think I'm going to exhibit it anywhere, he sd lord Henry raised an eyebrow in surprise. "My dear friend, why not? The portraits magnificent! It will make you the most famous young artist in England.” “This might sound foolish to you, Henry.” sid Basil, "but the eason 1 don't want to exhibit itis because I've put too much of myself init ‘Lord Henry laughed. "Too much of yoursel? I hate to say this, Basi, buat you don't look anything ike the young man inthe portrait. He is very handsome, you, are not.” ‘Bai stirred his paints, “Tam aware of that, Henry. What I mean is, punted this portrait with rel feeling. I is an expression of my deepest Emotions. I'm affaidl that if people sce it, dhe will ee the secret of my oul” Lord Henry stretched lazily and laughed. “The secret of your soul? And whats that” Basil sighed. “Very wel, Henry, wil ell you the stony but Ion think youll understand, Two months ago, 1 went to a dinner party at Lady Brandon's hous. 1 was talking to @ group of very boring peopl, when T roti a young man onthe othe side ofthe oom. That was the first ime {ever saw Dorian Gray, the man inthe painting.” ‘rian Gray. So that’ his name,” sad Lord Henry Tan’ explin to you what our fist meeting was like, Henn,” Basil continued. "I had a strong feeling that Dorian would change my life forever, And he has. 1 see things eifferenly now: Doran's beauty and feet nature have given me a new vison of art, He has become my best frend and my inspiration, ut he doesn't know how much he has affected I “ras A BEAUTIFUL SuMBMER'S DAY. The sun was shining brightly andIme. And if show this Picture to the world, everyone will know including Doria Lord Henry stared at Basil through the smoke that rose from his pipe That isthe most extraordinary thing I've ever heard Tm rely lodkng forward to meeting this Doran Gray,” he said asi stopped sting his paints and turned to look at Lord Henry Dorian Gray i god person, You area bad influence on young people wnd | know you enjoy this, bt please, Henry, don't spoil Dorun: od Alon take him away from me. My succes san arts depends on ase Lord Henry smiled, “I promise ll behave, asl” A\ that time there was a knock atthe door “Excuse me, sr” said the bts “Mtr Dovian Gray has just arrived” ‘Show him in, Parke,” said Bas. The butler bowed and walked off A fey minutes later, Dorian Gray walked into the stad Hell, Basi. Thope you're not expecting me to po ‘uch a beautifl day that | want to spend it outdoors” 'm afraid you wil have to pose fora ite bit, Do ot completely finished yet,” said Basi "bat I'm tied of posing.” Dorian grumbled. “Besides, I don't want a Mesized portrait of myself” Then, he noticed Lod Henn. beg your pardon, Basil I didn't know you had company...” he sid “This is Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian. He’ an old friend of ine fees Oxford” said Bas Pleased to meet you Dorian, ‘extended his hand "And you sin” sid Dorian, Allright, Dorian,” Basi intern ‘over there and don't pay influence.” Dorian dias he was tod Now turn your bead a litle more to the right, Dorian.” Bast instructed. “That it. Hold sil Lord Hon watched Dorian ain ose fr Bas He certainly was very handsome, with his fl ed lps, bright Blue eyes and olden haw Howe, about twenty years old, yet his fae was as pure and ionocent as. chile “Basil, I need some ai." sal Dorian suddenly. “I want to go out nthe arden fora while for you today. t's 1. The panting is id Lord Henry, ashe stood up and pte. “Ler get to work. Please go stand ‘any attention to Lord Henry. He's a very bad"Of course, Dorian, 'm sorry” said Basil “When I paint, I forget ‘everything eee!” “I think I'l join Dorian inthe garden, Basil Is very hot in her,” si Lord Henry “Allright, Henn” sid the artist. “But don’ keep Dorian too long fecling very inspired today. This painting is going to be my masterpiece!” ‘When Lord Henty stepped outside, he ssw Dorian lying on the gras, enjoying the sunshine, “Why don't we go sit in the shade?” Lord Henry suggested. “Ifyou get sunburnt, Rasil wont want to paint you again.” Dorian laughed. “That doesn't matter to me,” he sid, “tshould matter” said Lord Henry. "Why?" asked Dorian, “Because now you are young and beautiful and the whole world loves you.” replied Lond Henry “But, some day, you will be eld and wrinkled 1nd no-one will give you a second glance. tis asad fact, but when youth, 0es beauty goes with i. Ifyou want my advice, go out and ive. Live each day to the fll and enjoy al of it’s pleasures” Dorian listened to Lord Henry in amazement. “I thought much about growing old." he sid "Dorian, you must never forget that time is your greatest nem” Lord Henry warned, “I will takeaway everthing you have now.” ‘A few minutes ate, Basil appeared atthe door and called them both to come inside “The portrait is fnished! the artist announced, smiling. “Congratulations, uid Lord Henry. "It isthe best portat Ihave ever seen. Dorian, come and look at yoursle” Aer a moment of hesitation, Dorian walked over tothe picture, The Portrait was indeed magnificent and Dorian was fled with oy when he $20 it Then he remembered what Lord Henry had sad in the garden, He. imagined that beautiful face growing old: he imagined wrinkles, thin ips and grey hair and his eyes filled with tears N's so sad,” said the young man," wll grow old and this picture will ways he young. IFonly it were the other way rownl!teonly {could stay young and the picture could grow old! T would give my soul for thet! Henry, you ae right! Youth is the only thing worth having! When | grow old 1 willl mse” T havent realy Hasil was horrified, He grabbed Dorian’s arm. “Dorian! You mustn't lle that” Dorian pulled away “Why did you paint it, Basi? Do you enjoy seeing we sulle?” Tears rolled down the young man's cheeks and he threw himself on the sofa and buried his face inthe cushions You di thi, Henry” sai Basi angrily. "You two have made me hate Iny best piece of work! Now I have no choice but to destroy it” Basil ‘searched for his palette knife and moved towards the painting, “No, Basll Stop!” shouted Dorian as he jumped up from the sts that would be murded!™ *So you do appreciate my work then? asked Basil coldly "Appreciate it? love it. Its part of me,” sad Dorian, ine. As soon as itis dy will ame it and send it to you,” sid Basi, the walked across the room and rang the bell forte As the butler ‘ame in withthe tes-tray, Bas sat own onthe sofa and sighed. As tea was bwing served, Basil heard Lord Henry invite Dorian tothe theatre that ‘evening. A look of pain lashed briefly across the artist's aceCHAPTER 2 ‘complete, Dorian was siting in an armchair in the library of Lord Heny’shome in Mayfair Lord Henry was lat as usual, and Dorian decided to look through a French book that was lying on the coffee table in front of him. Half an hour late, he head the sound of heavy footsteps fand the door opened. "You're lat, Tene said Doran, without looking ‘up from the book. So sorry about that, Doran,” sid Lord Henry as he took ofthis cout and gloves,“ went to Wardour Stret to buy some fabric andi took hours to agree on the price Dorian leaned back inthe armchait."T see. I mus ay had a pleasant conversation with your wife when T arrived at lunchtime. She's a lovely ‘woman, Henry. She seems to know alot about the oper.” ‘Lord Henry closed the ibrary door and sat down on the sofa. “Ifyou ‘want my advice, Dorian, don't ever get married. Men marry because they] dar tted and women because they are curious, but inthe end, both are Alsappointed.” ‘Dorian smiled. “Nevertheless, I think Ul get marsied very soon ; Lam a0 much in love.” he sid. ‘Lord Heney lit cigarette, “And who are you in love with?” he asked, “With an actress” said Dorian, blushing slightly. “Her name is Sybil Vane ve never heard of hes” sid Lord Henry. ‘Novone has.” said Dorian. “But people will some day. She's a! \wonderil actress, an absolute genius! “1 se, And how long have you known her asked Lord Henry. ‘About three wesks,” replied Dorian ‘And where did you meet thi actes?” asked Lord Henry afer pause. "Well" said Dorian, "took your advice and decided that it was time to ing, U vent out i exparienae everything life as to offer Soy one fedrch of advent. I really had no idea where 1 was going. I wandered Adon sone dark lleys and diety streets until I came across a small theatre ide an paida whole guinea fora private box. | don't know why Ht had, Lould never have met the love of my ie. Why ate you laughing at me, Henry?am not laughing at you, Dorian,” replied Lord Henry: “I just don’ think you should cll this ge "the love of your life. She is your fis love + ‘you wil fallin love many times inthe future. But please carry on, I didn mean to interrupt you, “Well,” continued Dorian, “I sat down in my horrible private box an ‘waited fr te play to begin. The place was full and everyone was talking And laughing loudly, Women were welling ginger ber and oranges and ol ‘nen were eating nuts and tossing the shall on the Boor.” Tord Henry lughed “Is sounds deligtul. What was the name of the play "You won't believe ths, Henny” said Dorian, “but it was actually} ‘Romeo and Juliet. Shakespeare in such a hors ite theatre! Anyway, the play began and Romeo walked onto the sage. A minute late, Juliet joined him, She took my breath away, Henry! Iwill describe her to you: just imagine a seventeen-year-old gil with a face like a flower, owing da brown hair, ivory skin, vilet-coloured eyes and lips like rose petal. She| was the most beautiful thing Thad eve cen in my life am completely in Tove with her. go to the theatre everynight to watch her perform. | have seen her in every ageand every costume. Thave seen her play mad women| ‘nd jealous womens [ave seen her fll in love and I have sen her die, Ordinary women are so boring, Henry. Actress are the only women! ‘worth loving” ‘Lord Heney smiled. “So, how did you eventually meet ‘ulet?” he asked. “Mr Isaacs, the theatre manager, took me backstage after the performance and introduced us," replied Dorian. “She's so sweet and tele, Henry. She blushed when I complimented her on her performance. She told me that I looked lke a prince and insisted on calling me ‘Prince (Charming. She's marvellous, Henry. I can't get enough of er.” Lord Henry watched Dorian, who walked up and down as he spoke His checks were red and he was filled with passion and enthusiasm. He ‘was no longer the shy, young boy that he had met in Basis stu. =t' ealy ke wo be tn yong nay Dotan” sal Lord Henry Wel why don't you and Basil come tothe theatre one nigh?” Dorian suggested “Allright” sad Lord Henry. “What about tomorrow night “Yes, that's perfect. Shel be playing Juliet tomorro,” said Dorian Ying” said Lord Henry, “Well meet atthe Bristol Hotel for dinner and fo to the theatre. Ate you going to see Basi or should I send him a eter to confirm the details?” ‘Send him a letter,” sid Dorian. “Ym not sure if Fl have time to visit him By the way. he sent me the porttait he did of me.I put it up inthe Hibrry and it’s magnificent. Can you believe that i's a whole month younger than met I'm almost jealous!” the clock struck loudly and Dorian put on his coat. “T must go now, Hoary Face you tomenow night.” When Dorian lef, Lord Henry got dressed for dinner at the fontlemen’s club. When he arrived home at half past midnight, he found {Pleram on the hall table. It was from Dorian Gray. The message Informed him that Dorian and Sybil Vane were engaged tobe married iCHAPTER 3 x4, Morten! am so happy” sid Sybil as she buried her face in the lap ofa tiredlooking woman who was siting in an ol, brown armchair, "Ate you happy for me, t00?” “0 “The woman frowned. “Sybil am only happy when I ee you act. Yu sunt focus om your acting now: Me lage has been good tous, ut we il ‘we him money ‘Sybil looked up at her mother with larg, innocent eyes. “Mother, money does not matter to me, Ie not important Love isthe only thing that really mater!” 1 ‘Mr tsaacs has given us flty pounds so that we can pay of our debts snd uy some smart elothes for James, We must be grateful to him for his nerosity” said her mother. ‘bil stood up and walked over to the windows. “I know, Mother, bt Daas is nota gentleman, And [ate the way he talks to me: Thy old woman sighed “Gentleman or not, Sybil, we wouldnt be able \w survive without im, Your salary puts food om the table.” Well we don't need him anymore, Prince Charming wl rescue ws." Sybis cheeks tured pink and her soft lips trembled. "Mother, I ove i” she whispered ‘Don't be foolish, Sybil” sid the woman, waving a bony Finger at her baught. “Love wil ain your lif!” The gi laughed. She didn't care what her mother sui, She was n love with Handsome prince and love was going to set her free. Her mother Tied to tlk some Sense into he, but Sybil hardly heard her. Al she could think about was Prince Charming’s beautiful face. “Of cours, if he is rich, then maybe you should consider marrying In said Mre Vane cr mother’s words shook Sybil out of her daydream. “Mother, why docs he Tove me so much? she said, “I know why T love him, but what Toes hese in me? F'm just a poor actress... Sometimes I think that [am thot worthy of him... But am happier now than I have ever been in my He, and I don' think I ever be ale to lve without him.” ‘My child, you dont know anything about this young man an tuo young tobe thinking about falling in love,” std her mother. “And 1 Ne other things to worry about nov, what with James going of t0 ural tomorrow. However, if your ‘Prince Charming is rch, that would be a different story.” ‘Oh, Mother! Stop taking about money and jast let me be happy for sone,” ried Sybil “\ moment later, the door burst open and a young man with dark 1 aie walked into the room. "Hello, Mother. Hello, Sybil” he suid Jame!” Sybil shouted as she ran across the room and hugged her ‘oth Syl, my dearest sister, I'm relly going to miss you shen I go to Australia” said James. “Why don't we go for a wall? It might be a very longtime before see London again.”Don’ taki that, James” sd Mrs Vane =Wel its tres sid James “Myson,” sid the old woman, "you wll make your frame quickly [Austalin and when you return to Englnd, London's high society vl ‘elcome you with open ams” ‘look of anger shed through the young mans ee. don’ ca about Londons ih soi, Mother AT want to make enough mon So that Sil doesnt ave osc anymore” Oh James ou ake soch goo cae of me!” td Spi and que her brother's am, Come on, enough of this arguing. Lets goo the pa for oor walk Tn so plesed that you've desided to spend your afternoon with me! Sybil and James went out int the bright sng and wad dove aston Rou arm in arm, Sil chated checflly about ames’ urna to Aunts its going tobe wonder lames! You oing tind ‘gold you're gong to mee Bestia woman and ll madly lve a yore going tobe ich and happy” ares si othing. He et sad about ving his home and hs fami ‘Ande couldn't sto thinking abou the mysterious gentleman his tad falen in kove with jam, you're no istening toa word saying” si yi. “What the matter “Theat you have anew fend Sybil” sid James “Who i he? Why aen't you ta me abot him? Sybil blake. “He my Prince Charming and when you come bas from Aust, you wll mest him and se tat he s the mest wonder tmaminthe wor” “ut Mother sys tit you dn’ now anything about him! Prom ave you wl be cael, Sybil” amen. ZOh, ames! One day you wil fl in fve and then you wil tal understand ho fees yi “ie as een ard fora teething isang tobe mich beter now's se Lets st down ve thee “ney walked to nearby Bench and watched the ces o by. a was quiet for afew minutes Then he tred to ister and wok er ny ‘hie hands inhi Spi ihe ever hurts you, wil kil him.” Sybil looked ther brother in hora"! Tha terse thing say Would you rely hare someone ove™ 6 Notas long as you love him I suppose.” James replied, J will love him forever!” Sybil exclaimed ‘Nn wl he love you Forever too?” asked James. ‘Ofcourse! replied Sybil He'd beter, Sybil.” sad James. “For his sake.”