That evening, at half-past eight, Dorian Gray went to Lady Narborough’s house. He wore beautiful clothes and some purple flowers. Dorian Gray felt very nervous, but he looked calm. He was playing a part like an actor.
Lady Narborough was a very clever woman. Her husband was dead, and her daughters were married. Now, Lady Narborough loved French books and French food. Dorian Gray was one of her favorite friends.
The party was a little boring. Lady Narborough’s daughter and her husband were there. They lived in the country and went to bed early. Dorian Gray did not want to sit near them.
Lady Narborough was angry because Lord Henry Wotton was late. But then, Lord Henry Wotton arrived at the house. He said he was sorry for being late. Dorian Gray felt better when his friend arrived.
At dinner, Dorian Gray could not eat any food. He was not hungry. But he drank a lot of champagne. He felt very thirsty and drank quickly. Lord Henry Wotton watched him and felt worried.
Lady Narborough and Lord Henry Wotton talked about a woman with many husbands. Lord Henry Wotton said the woman was very interesting. He told many funny stories. Dorian Gray laughed, but he was still thinking about the dead man.
Lady Narborough told Lord Henry Wotton that he was a bad man. Lord Henry Wotton smiled at her. He said that people often say things that are true. Everyone at the table laughed at his words.
Dorian Gray said that life was a big disappointment. Lady Narborough was surprised to hear this. She told Dorian Gray that he looked very good and kind. She wanted to find a nice wife for him.
After dinner, the men talked about politics in another room. Dorian Gray sat next to Lord Henry Wotton. Lord Henry Wotton asked Dorian Gray about last night. He asked if Dorian Gray went home early.
Dorian Gray felt a sudden fear. He told Lord Henry Wotton that he went for a walk. He said he went home at half-past two in the morning. Dorian Gray was angry because Lord Henry Wotton asked questions.
Dorian Gray told Lady Narborough that he was tired. He did not go upstairs with the other guests. He left the house and went home. He felt a lot of terror again.
At home, Dorian Gray locked the library door. He opened a secret place in the wall. He took out Basil Hallward’s coat and bag. He threw them into the big fire.
The smell of the burning leather was terrible. Dorian Gray felt sick and faint. He waited for forty-five minutes until everything was gone. Then he washed his hands with a special liquid.
Dorian Gray looked at a large, beautiful cabinet. He opened a secret drawer in the wood. He found a small, black Chinese box. Inside the box was a green paste (a soft, thick cream).
Dorian Gray looked at the clock. It was twenty minutes to twelve. He felt cold, but the room was hot. He went to his bedroom and changed his clothes. He wore simple, common clothes now.
At midnight, Dorian Gray walked out of his house. He found a hansom (a carriage pulled by a horse). He told the driver an address that was far away. The address was near the river.
The driver did not want to go so far. Dorian Gray gave the man a sovereign (a gold coin used as money). He promised another coin if the man drove fast. The horse moved quickly toward the river.