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She felt that they would all laugh at it some day.

CHAPTER VI.

"I suppose you have heard the news, Basil?" said Lord Henry that

evening as Hallward was shown into a little private room at the

Bristol where dinner had been laid for three.

"No, Harry," answered the artist, giving his hat and coat to the

bowing waiter. "What is it? Nothing about politics, I hope! They

don't interest me. There is hardly a single person in the House

of Commons worth painting, though many of them would be the

better for a little whitewashing."

"Dorian Gray is engaged to be married," said Lord Henry, watching

him as he spoke.

Hallward started and then frowned. "Dorian engaged to be

married!" he cried. "Impossible!"

"It is perfectly true."

"To whom?"

"To some little actress or other."

"I can't believe it. Dorian is far too sensible."

"Dorian is far too wise not to do foolish things now and then, my

dear Basil."

"Marriage is hardly a thing that one can do now and then, Harry."