It is well known, how the story of Dorian Gray and Basil Hallward began- and how it ended. However, what happened in those few months before Lord Henry Wotton took his part in this sorry event of affairs, was never meant to be read by the public, for it describes more than a peculiar friendship. It the story of a true romance- not a romance of art, but a romance between men.
"Mr. Gray!" Lady Brandon cried in her awfully shrill voice. Her call made heads turn to the man in question, who was practically standing next to her. "Mr. Gray!" she called again, as for somehow she failed to see him, as one often fails to see things right before one's eyes. Dorian's gaze met Basil's, who was standing opposite him, causing them to giggle quietly like schoolboys. As she took a breath to call out again, Dorian finally stepped forward. He said, in his soft, somewhat shy voice, "I am very sorry, Lady Brandon. I did not hear you calling my name." his eyes met again with the artist's and they shared a cheeky smile. The fear he had felt upon first setting eyes on the lad had vanished. Admittedly, it had been most foolish of him to feel that way in the first place.
"Ah, Mr. Gray. It is quite alright." The lady continued. "Let me introduce you to Mr. Basil Hallward. He is one of the greatest artist of our century and-" she spotted someone in the distance. Without a warning, she stopped talking and pushed past them. "Marianne! Have you brought your husband? How is dear Mr. Carmichael?!"
Both parties were glad to have some privacy.
"Basil Hallward. Certainly, you have read about my latest painting of Lady Ashton's pets in the papers. Everyone seems to know about it." Said the artist, shaking him by the hand.
"I am afraid I have not. I never read the papers. They are always so horrid."
"If I am completely honest with you, Mr. Gray, it is very good to meet someone who has not read this blasted article about my art. It allows me to make an impression for myself. I always find it more pleasant to find out people for myself- and I prefer to be found out the same way."
Dorian smiled. "I suggest we proceed to the dining room then, so we may find out each other."
Initially, Basil had no desire to spend more than an hour at the party, but when he was talking to Dorian Gray, time seemed to lose all relevance. The more they spoke, the more the artist's fascination of the boy grew. He was a wonderful listener, but told the most curious tales. He seemed to share Basil's hatred for gossip and his love for nature.
"You must allow me to paint you, Mr. Gray." Cried he eventually. "You have such a wonderfully handsome face."
The boy laughed. "Oh, Mr. Hallward, you flatter me dreadfully! But if you insist, I shall be happy to pay you a visit some time. This is rather exciting! I have not been painted since I was three years old!" he paused and thought for a while. "I would like to call upon you tomorrow, Mr. Hallward, if it suits you." Oh how much Basil wished he could draw every single one of the lad's expressions! The thoughtful look on his face was a most delightful sight! Other than some of his friends, Basil was not of the opinion that thought marred beauty- at least not Dorian Gray's. If anything, it made him even more fascinating.
"I will not be able to start a painting before next week, I am afraid."
"Oh, I do not care. I am afraid I must leave, but I would very much like to keep talking with you. It has been a most delightful evening."
"In that case, you may come and dine with me tomorrow." Basil handed him his card.
"Splendid! I shall see you then, Mr. Hallward. Goodbye." The boy grinned from ear to ear as he stood up and left, leaving the painter behind, bewildered and yet delighted.