Dorian locked the door of the schoolroom behind him. He walked downstairs as calmly as he could. His hands were still shaking from what he had done. He washed the blood from his hands in cold water. Then he went to his bedroom and changed his clothes. He burned his bloodstained shirt in the fireplace. All night he sat in the library, thinking. What was he going to do with the body? He could not leave it in the schoolroom forever. Then he remembered an old acquaintance. Alan Campbell was a scientist. He knew how to use chemicals to destroy things. Years ago, Alan and Dorian had been close friends. But they had had a terrible argument. Now Alan refused to speak to Dorian. But Dorian knew things about Alan. Secrets that could destroy him. The next morning, Dorian sent a note to Alan. 'Come at once. It is a matter of life and death.' An hour later, Alan Campbell arrived. His face was cold and angry. 'What do you want, Dorian?' 'I need you to help me destroy something.' 'What sort of thing?' 'There is a dead body upstairs.' 'I need you to destroy it using your chemicals.' Alan stared at him in disbelief. 'You are insane. I will not help you.' 'I am calling the police.' 'I would not do that if I were you, Alan.' Dorian's voice was soft but dangerous. 'I know certain things about you.' 'Things that would destroy your reputation.' 'You would be ruined. Your family would be disgraced.' Alan's face went pale. 'You would not dare.' 'Try me,' said Dorian with a cold smile. 'Here is a letter I have written to the newspaper.' 'It tells everything.' Alan read the letter with shaking hands. His face twisted with fear and hatred. 'You are a devil, Dorian Gray.' 'Perhaps. But you will help me.' Alan had no choice. He went home to get his equipment. When he returned, Dorian led him to the schoolroom. Alan saw the body of Basil Hallward on the floor. He did not ask any questions. For hours, he worked in that terrible room. When he was finished, nothing remained of Basil. Not a bone. Not a drop of blood. The chemicals had destroyed everything. 'It is done,' said Alan in a dead voice. 'Never speak to me again.' He left without looking back. Dorian burned the letter he had written. Then he burned Basil's coat and bag. There was no evidence left. The world would think Basil had simply gone to Paris. And never returned. That evening, Dorian went to a dinner party. He laughed and talked with the other guests. No one would have guessed what he had done. His beautiful face showed nothing. But later that night, he dreamed of blood. He dreamed of Basil's face, white and dead. He woke up screaming. Some weeks later, Alan Campbell shot himself. He could not live with what he had done. Dorian felt nothing when he heard the news.
B1Chapter 12 / 20500 words70 sentences
Chapter 12: Basil's Discovery
Chapter 12 · The Picture of Dorian Gray · B1 English. Tip: Click on any word while reading to see its translation. Take your time with each chapter and review the vocabulary before moving on.
Chapter Summary
Basil visits Dorian before leaving for Paris. He confronts Dorian about the terrible rumors and begs him to deny them.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Who does Dorian ask to help him destroy Basil's body?
2
How does Dorian convince Alan to help him?
3
What happens to Basil's body after Alan finishes his work?
4