Pagina 422 di 490

Dorian's arms fell to his side. Paralysed with terror, he did not

know what to do. Suddenly a wild hope flashed across his brain.

"Stop," he cried. "How long ago is it since your sister died?

Quick, tell me!"

"Eighteen years," said the man. "Why do you ask me? What do years

matter?"

"Eighteen years," laughed Dorian Gray, with a touch of triumph in

his voice. "Eighteen years! Set me under the lamp and look at my

face!"

James Vane hesitated for a moment, not understanding what was

meant. Then he seized Dorian Gray and dragged him from the

archway.