Портрет Доріана Грея

           Whenshecameoninherboy’sclothesshewasperfectlywonderful. Sheworeamoss-colouredvelvetjerkinwithcinnamonsleeves, slimbrowncross-garteredhose,adaintylittlegreencapwithahawk’sfeathercaughtinajewel,andahoodedcloaklinedwithdullred. Shehadneverseemedtomemoreexquisite.ShehadallthedelicategraceofthatTanagrafigurinethatyouhaveinyourstudio,Basil. Herhairclusteredroundherfacelikedarkleavesroundapalerose. Asforheracting—well,youshallseeherto-night. Sheissimplyabornartist.Isatinthedingyboxabsolutelyenthralled. IforgotthatIwasinLondonandinthenineteenthcentury. Iwasawaywithmyloveinaforestthatnomanhadeverseen. AftertheperformancewasoverIwentbehind,andspoketoher. Asweweresittingtogether,suddenlytherecameintohereyesalookthatIhadneverseentherebefore. Mylipsmovedtowardshers.Wekissedeachother. Ican’tdescribetoyouwhatIfeltatthatmoment. Itseemedtomethatallmylifehadbeennarrowedtooneperfectpointofrose-colouredjoy. Shetrembledallover,andshooklikeawhitenarcissus. Thensheflungherselfonherkneesandkissedmyhands. IfeelthatIshouldnottellyouallthis,butIcan’thelpit. Ofcourseourengagementisadeadsecret.Shehasnoteventoldherownmother. Idon’tknowwhatmyguardianswillsay.LordRadleyissuretobefurious.Idon’tcare. Ishallbeofageinlessthanayear,andthenIcandowhatIlike. Ihavebeenright,Basil,haven’tI,totakemyloveoutofpoetry,andtofindmywifeinShakespeare’splays? LipsthatShakespearetaughttospeakhavewhisperedtheirsecretinmyear. IhavehadthearmsofRosalindaroundme,andkissedJulietonthemouth." 

           "Yes,Dorian,Isupposeyouwereright,"saidHallward,slowly.