Портрет Дориана Грея

           Asitwas,ourbonnetsweresounbecoming,andthemillsweresooccupiedintryingtoraisethewind,thatIneverhadevenaflirtationwithanybody. However,thatwasallNarborough’sfault. Hewasdreadfullyshort-sighted,andthereisnopleasureintakinginahusbandwhoneverseesanything." 

           Hergueststhiseveningwererathertedious. Thefactwas,assheexplainedtoDorian,behindaveryshabbyfan,oneofhermarrieddaughtershadcomeupquitesuddenlytostaywithher,and,tomakemattersworse,hadactuallybroughtherhusbandwithher. "Ithinkitismostunkindofher,mydear,"shewhispered. "OfcourseIgoandstaywiththemeverysummerafterIcomefromHomburg,butthenanoldwomanlikememusthavefreshairsometimes, andbesides,Ireallywakethemup. Youdon’tknowwhatanexistencetheyleaddownthere. Itispureunadulteratedcountrylife. Theygetupearly,becausetheyhavesomuchtodo,andgotobedearlybecausetheyhavesolittletothinkabout. TherehasnotbeenascandalintheneighbourhoodsincethetimeofQueenElizabeth,andconsequentlytheyallfallasleepafterdinner. Youshan’tsitnexteitherofthem. Youshallsitbyme,andamuseme." 

           Dorianmurmuredagracefulcompliment,andlookedroundtheroom. Yes:itwascertainlyatediousparty. Twoofthepeoplehehadneverseenbefore,andtheothersconsistedofErnestHarrowden,oneofthosemiddle-agedmediocritiessocommoninLondonclubswhohavenoenemies,butarethoroughlydislikedbytheirfriends; LadyRuxton,anover-dressedwomanofforty-seven,withahookednose,whowasalwaystryingtogetherselfcompromised, butwassopeculiarlyplainthattohergreatdisappointmentnoonewouldeverbelieveanythingagainsther;