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"Basil," he said, coming over quite close and looking him

straight in the face, "we have each of us a secret. Let me know

yours, and I shall tell you mine. What was your reason for

refusing to exhibit my picture?"

The painter shuddered in spite of himself. "Dorian, if I told

you, you might like me less than you do, and you would certainly

laugh at me. I could not bear your doing either of those two

things. If you wish me never to look at your picture again, I am

content. I have always you to look at. If you wish the best work

I have ever done to be hidden from the world, I am satisfied.

Your friendship is dearer to me than any fame or reputation."

"No, Basil, you must tell me," insisted Dorian Gray. "I think I

have a right to know." His feeling of terror had passed away, and

curiosity had taken its place. He was determined to find out

Basil Hallward's mystery.