Mrs. Vane sat in their small, shabby room. She was a faded woman who had once been beautiful. Years of poverty and disappointment had aged her. Her daughter Sibyl burst through the door excitedly. 'Mother, I have wonderful news!' 'What is it, my dear?' asked Mrs. Vane wearily. 'I am in love, Mother! I am going to be married!' Mrs. Vane's tired eyes suddenly became alert. 'Married? To whom?' 'His name is Prince Charming.' 'Don't be silly, Sibyl. What is his real name?' 'I do not know it yet. But it does not matter.' 'He comes to the theater every night to see me act.' 'He brings me flowers and tells me I am wonderful.' The door opened, and Sibyl's brother James walked in. He was a rough young man of about eighteen. Tomorrow he would leave to become a sailor. 'What is all this excitement about?' he asked. 'Your sister has a young man,' said Mrs. Vane. 'A gentleman who comes to watch her at the theater.' James frowned at this news. 'A gentleman? From where? Who is his family?' 'Oh Jim, please do not spoil everything,' said Sibyl. 'He is perfect. He is like someone from a story.' 'Real life is not a story,' said James roughly. 'Rich men do not marry poor actresses.' 'They ruin them and then throw them away.' 'Jim!' cried Sibyl, her eyes filling with tears. 'How can you say such terrible things?' 'Because I love you and want to protect you.' 'I am leaving tomorrow, and I worry about you.' Mrs. Vane tried to calm her son. 'James, Sibyl is old enough to make her own choices.' 'Perhaps this man can give her a better life.' 'Better life?' James laughed bitterly. 'You just want someone to pay the bills.' He turned to his sister with fierce eyes. 'Come for a walk with me, Sibyl.' 'I want to talk to you alone before I leave.' They walked together through the crowded streets. The evening sun made the dirty buildings look golden. 'Sibyl, I need you to promise me something.' 'What is it, Jim?' 'If this man ever hurts you, you must tell me.' 'I do not care if he is rich or powerful.' 'If he wrongs you, I will find him and kill him.' 'Jim! You must not say such things.' 'I mean it, Sibyl. I swear on my life.' A carriage passed by them at that moment. Sibyl suddenly grabbed her brother's arm. 'There! That is him. That is my Prince Charming.' James looked and saw a beautiful young man in the carriage. He had golden hair and a face like an angel. James stared at him, trying to remember his face. 'I will remember him,' he said quietly. 'If he ever harms you, I will know him anywhere.' 'Oh Jim, do not be so dramatic.' 'He would never hurt me. He loves me truly.' James said nothing but kept watching the carriage. It disappeared around a corner into the wealthy part of town. 'I must go back now,' said Sibyl. 'The play starts in an hour.' James walked her back to the theater. 'Promise me you will be careful,' he said. 'I promise, Jim. Now go and have wonderful adventures.' She kissed his cheek and went inside. James stood outside for a long moment. He had a terrible feeling in his heart. Something told him this would not end well. But tomorrow he would be at sea, far from London.
B1Chapter 5 / 20578 words70 sentences
Chapter 5: The Vane Family
Chapter 5 · 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
Sibyl tells her mother about Dorian, whom she calls Prince Charming. Her brother James is suspicious and swears to kill the man if he ever hurts Sibyl.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why is James suspicious of Sibyl's Prince Charming?
2
What does James swear to do if Prince Charming ever hurts Sibyl?
3
What does James do when the carriage with Dorian passes by?
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