Immotus
Dorian Gray looked with curious innocence at the man standing beside Basil.
"This is Lord Henry Wotton, Dorian, an old Oxford friend of mine. I have just been telling him what a capital sitter you are, and now you have spoiled everything."
At once Dorian saw that he was very good-looking, that he had soft white hands like a girl's, that his face was laughing and good-humoured and handsome, and at once Dorian felt shy. He shook Lord Henry's hand, trying not to blush.
"Hallo, Lord Henry."
"Hello, Mr. Gray. I had learned of you from my aunt, but it is by Basil and his wondrous kindness that I have seen you at last," said Lord Henry languidly.
Dorian smiled guiltily. "Basil is always kind, unless he's trying to make me sit for my painting." He felt uncomfortable with Lord Henry looking so intently at him, and his eyes widened a little, innocently.
"And then he is a tyrant, the evil overlord of the painting world. Mm-hmm."
Lord Henry stayed the rest of the afternoon, talking to them while Dorian shyly sat for his portrait after all. He had a lovely way of talking, luxurious and full, but he didn't say anything particularly interesting or of value, and Dorian thought more than he listened.
At last Lord Henry got up to go, and said good-bye to Dorian politely, then went out into the hall with Basil to leave. Dorian looked around the door quietly, hoping not to be seen.
"He's pretty, Basil, but I'm not at all interested in him. He's timid, and you may find it charming, but I find it off-putting. I doubt I could do a thing with him, and I am very afraid he didn't listen to me." Lord Henry smiled. "There you are, Basil; your little Dorian is quite safe from me. I don't want him as my proteg�. He was very pretty, however. Perhaps in a few years, when you've developed his character, I'll get to know him better. At any rate, good evening, Basil."
Basil said good evening with a great deal of relief, and Dorian ducked back into the room as he came in.
"He didn't like me, Basil."
"No, he wasn't interested in you. It's a terribly good thing, Dorian, and I'm glad of it." Basil kissed Dorian's cheek. "Come now, and we'll finish your portrait. I shall try to talk to you for once, so you won't be bored."
"I didn't like him anyway," said Dorian, with false airiness, as he stepped up on the dais again.
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