Kitabı oku: «The Picture of Dorian Gray. B1 / Портрет Дориана Грея», sayfa 10

Lord Henry left for lunch at Aunt Agatha's. Lord Fermor asked him toremind Agatha not to send him any more charity cheques. “I'll try,” Lord Henry promised, “but you know, gene-rous people have no humanity in them.”

On his way to Aunt Agatha's house, Lord Henry couldn't stop thinking about Dorian'stragic past. He arrived late, finding Dorian among the guests. Apart from him, there were gentlemen, duchesses, members of the Parliament and many other friends of Aunt Agatha's, who were all discussing America and Americans. Lord Henry let himself make a few jokes, which other guests did not enjoy, reprimanding him in front of his aunt.

“How mean you are!” Aunt Agatha exclaimed, tired of theirlengthy arguments, “Harry, why don't you persuade Mr. Dorian Gray to continue playing music?”

The guests continued their discussions. They spoke about the weather in England, science, and theirresponsibilities. One of the duchesses blushed, and felt embarrassed about it.

“A blush is verybecoming,” Lord Henry comforted her.

“Only when you are young,” the duchessconcluded, and Lord Henry continued expressing his philosophicalviews, entertaining the guests. He charmed all his listeners. Dorian Gray's gaze was fixed on him. He sat at the table, motionless, as if he was under a spell. His smile grew wider and his eyes got darker.