things. You have a curious influence over me. If I ever did a crime, I would come and confess it to you. You would understand me."

"People like you — the wilful sunbeams of life — don't commit crimes, Dorian. But I am much obliged for the compliment, all the same. And now tell me — reach me the matches, like a good boy — thanks — what are your actual relations with Sibyl Vane?"

Dorian Gray leaped to his feet, with flushed cheeks and burning eyes. "Harry! Sibyl Vane is sacred!"

"It is only the sacred things that are worth touching, Dorian," said Lord Henry, with a strange touch of pathos in his voice. "But why should you be annoyed? I suppose she will belong to you some day. When one is in love, one always begins by deceiving