For weeks after the murder, Dorian could not sleep. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Basil's face. He needed something to help him forget. One night, he went to the docks by the river. There, in the worst part of London, were the opium dens. He had been to these places many times before. Tonight, he needed the drug more than ever. The den was dark and full of smoke. People lay on dirty mattresses, their eyes empty. Dorian paid the old woman at the door. He found a corner and lay down. The opium would bring peace. It would make him forget. As he was leaving later, a woman grabbed his arm. She was thin and dirty, with wild eyes. 'Prince Charming!' she called out. 'Prince Charming!' Dorian pushed her away and hurried outside. He did not notice the man who had heard her words. A rough sailor with a hard face. The sailor stood up and followed Dorian outside. The night was dark, and the streets were empty. Suddenly, Dorian felt a strong hand on his shoulder. He was thrown against a wall. A man stood over him, blocking his escape. 'What do you want?' asked Dorian, trying to sound calm. 'I have money. Take it and let me go.' 'I do not want your money,' said the man. 'She called you Prince Charming.' Dorian's blood ran cold. 'I am James Vane,' said the sailor. 'My sister was Sibyl Vane.' 'You killed her eighteen years ago.' 'I swore I would find you and kill you.' He pulled out a gun and pointed it at Dorian's head. Dorian thought quickly. 'Wait. Think about what you are saying.' 'Eighteen years ago, I was not even born.' 'Look at my face. Do I look nearly forty to you?' James Vane hesitated. He pulled Dorian toward a gas lamp. In the yellow light, he studied Dorian's face. It was the face of a young man, barely twenty. Smooth skin, clear eyes, innocent lips. This could not be the man who ruined Sibyl. That man would be old now. 'My God,' said James. 'I almost killed an innocent man.' 'Forgive me, sir. I made a terrible mistake.' Dorian did not wait to hear more. He ran down the street and disappeared into the darkness. James Vane stood alone, confused and ashamed. Then the woman from the opium den appeared. 'Why did you let him go?' she asked. 'He is too young. He is not the man I seek.' The woman laughed bitterly. 'He is nearly forty years old. I have known him for eighteen years.' 'He has not aged a single day.' 'They say he sold his soul to the devil.' James Vane's face twisted with rage. He had let his sister's killer escape. But he would find him again. He would watch and wait. And this time, he would not be fooled. Meanwhile, Dorian reached home safely. He locked his door and sat in the darkness. His heart was pounding with fear. James Vane had found him after all these years. His eternal youth had saved him tonight. But would it save him next time? The past had returned to haunt him. And it wanted revenge.
B1Chapter 13 / 20536 words70 sentences
Chapter 13: Murder
Chapter 13 · 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
Dorian shows Basil the horrible portrait. In a sudden rage, Dorian stabs Basil to death. The portrait now shows a murderer's hands dripping with blood.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Where does Dorian go to try to forget the murder?
2
Who confronts Dorian outside the opium den?
3
How does Dorian escape from James Vane?
4