Chapter 11

           ItwasontheninthofNovember,theeveofhisownthirty-eighthbirthday,asheoftenrememberedafterwards. 

           Hewaswalkinghomeabouteleveno’clockfromLordHenry’s,wherehehadbeendining, andwaswrappedinheavyfurs,asthenightwascoldandfoggy. AtthecornerofGrosvenorSquareandSouthAudleyStreetamanpassedhiminthemist,walkingveryfast,andwiththecollarofhisgreyulsterturnedup. Hehadabaginhishand. Dorianrecognisedhim.ItwasBasilHallward. Astrangesenseoffear,forwhichhecouldnotaccount,cameoverhim. Hemadenosignofrecognition,andwentonquicklyinthedirectionofhisownhouse. 

           ButHallwardhadseenhim. Dorianheardhimfirststoppingonthepavement,andthenhurryingafterhim. Inafewmomentshishandwasonhisarm. 

           "Dorian! Whatanextraordinarypieceofluck! Ihavebeenwaitingforyouinyourlibraryeversincenineo’clock. FinallyItookpityonyourtiredservant,andtoldhimtogotobed,asheletmeout. IamofftoParisbythemidnighttrain,andIparticularlywantedtoseeyoubeforeIleft. Ithoughtitwasyou,orratheryourfurcoat,asyoupassedme. ButIwasn’tquitesure. Didn’tyourecogniseme?" 

           "Inthisfog,mydearBasil? Why,Ican’tevenrecogniseGrosvenorSquare. Ibelievemyhouseissomewhereabouthere,butIdon’tfeelatallcertainaboutit. Iamsorryyouaregoingaway,asIhavenotseenyouforages. ButIsupposeyouwillbebacksoon?"