The next morning, Basil Hallward came to visit Dorian. He had heard about Sibyl's death and was deeply concerned. 'Dorian, I came as soon as I heard.' 'How are you feeling? I am so sorry.' Dorian looked up from his breakfast with a calm smile. 'Thank you, Basil. It is kind of you to come.' Basil stared at him in confusion. 'You seem... well.' 'I am quite well. Why should I not be?' 'But Dorian, a woman has died. A woman you loved.' 'Yes, it is very sad,' said Dorian lightly. 'But one cannot cry forever.' 'Harry explained everything to me.' 'Her death was like a scene from a play.' 'It was tragic but beautiful.' Basil's face showed his shock. 'Dorian, listen to yourself! That is heartless.' 'This is Harry's influence speaking, not you.' 'Perhaps. But Harry sees the world clearly.' 'Now, shall we talk about something else?' Basil looked around the room sadly. 'Where is my portrait? I do not see it here.' Dorian felt a flash of fear. 'I have moved it upstairs. The light is better there.' 'May I see it? I would like to look at my work.' 'No!' said Dorian too quickly. 'I mean, it is covered. I am having it framed.' Basil noticed his friend's strange reaction. 'Very well. Another time, perhaps.' He left shortly after, more worried than before. As soon as Basil was gone, Dorian made a decision. The portrait had to be hidden where no one would find it. He remembered the old schoolroom at the top of the house. He had not been there for years. No one went there anymore. It was the perfect hiding place. He called for his servants to help him. They carried the covered portrait up many stairs. The old schoolroom was dusty and dark. Faded curtains hung over the windows. Old furniture was covered with white sheets. Dorian dismissed the servants. Alone, he lifted the cloth from the portrait. Yes, the cruelty was still there in the painted face. He covered it again quickly. He locked the door and kept the key with him. Now his secret was safe. No one would ever see the portrait again. Later that day, Lord Henry came to visit. He brought a book wrapped in yellow paper. 'I brought you something to read,' he said. 'It is a strange book about a young Parisian man.' 'He spends his life seeking pleasure and beauty.' 'I think you will find it interesting.' Dorian took the book with curiosity. He began reading it that very night. He could not put it down. The story spoke to something deep inside him. The hero pursued every pleasure without guilt. He collected beautiful things and beautiful experiences. Morality meant nothing to him. Only sensation mattered. Dorian read all through the night. When dawn came, he was still reading. This book would become his guide. It showed him how to live without conscience. How to make life itself a work of art. With the portrait hidden and the book in his hands. Dorian Gray was ready to begin his new life. A life of endless pleasure and eternal youth.
B1Chapter 9 / 20524 words70 sentences
Chapter 9: The Hidden Portrait
Chapter 9 · 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 comes to comfort Dorian but finds him strangely calm about Sibyl's death. Dorian decides to hide the portrait in his old schoolroom upstairs.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
How does Basil react when he sees Dorian's calm attitude about Sibyl's death?
2
Where does Dorian decide to hide the portrait?
3
What does Lord Henry bring Dorian later that day?
4