n de siecle_," murmured Lord Henry.

"_Fin du globe_," answered his hostess.

"I wish it were _fin du globe_," said Dorian, with a sigh. "Life is a
great disappointment."

"Ah, my dear," cried Lady Narborough, putting on her gloves, "don't tell
me that you have exhausted Life. When a man says that one knows that
Life has exhausted him. Lord Henry is very wicked, and I sometimes wish
that I had been; but you are made to be good--you look so good. I must
find you a nice wife. Lord Henry, don't you think that Mr. Gray should
get married?"

"I am always telling him so, Lady Narborough," said Lord Henry, with a
bow.

"Well, we must look out for a suitable match for him. I shall go through
Debrett carefully to-night, and draw out a list of all the eligible
young ladies."

"With their ages, Lady Narborough?" asked Dorian.

"Of course, with their ages, slightly edited. But nothing must be done
in a hurry. I want it to be what _The Morning Post_ calls a suitable
alliance, and I want you both to be happy."

"What nonsense people talk about happy marriages!" exclaimed Lord Henry.
"A man can be happy with any woman, as long as he does not love her."

"Ah! what a cynic you are!" cried the old lady, pushing back her chair,
and nodding to Lady Ruxton. "You must come and dine with me soon again.
You are really an admirable tonic, much better than what Sir Andrew
prescribes for me. You must tell me what people you would like to meet,
though. I want it to be a delightful gathering."

"I like men who have a future, and women who have a past," he answered.
"Or do you think that would make it a petticoat party?"

"I fear so," she said, laughing, as she stood up. "A thousand pardons,
my dear Lady Ruxton," she added. "I didn't see you hadn't finished your
cigarette."

"Never mind, Lady Narborough. I smoke a great deal too much. I am going
to limit myself, for the future."

"Pray don't, Lady Ruxton," said Lord Henry. "Moderation is a fatal
thing. Enough is as bad as a meal. More than enough is as good as a
feast."

Lady Ruxton glanced at him curiously. "You must come and explain that to
me some afternoon, Lord Henry. It sounds a fascinating theory," she
murmured, as she swept out of the room.

"Now, mind you don't stay too long over your politics and scandal,"
cried Lady Narborough from the door. "If you do, we are sure to squabble
upstairs."

The men laughed, and Mr. Chapman got up solemnly from the foot of the
table and