"You are glad you have met me, Mr. Gray," said Lord Henry,

looking at him.



"Yes, I am glad now. I wonder shall I always be glad?"



"Always! That is a dreadful word. It makes me shudder when I hear it.

Women are so fond of using it. They spoil every romance by trying to make

it last for ever. It is a meaningless word, too. The only difference

between a caprice and a lifelong passion is that the caprice lasts a

little longer."



As they entered the studio, Dorian Gray put his hand upon Lord Henry's arm.

"In that case, let our friendship be a caprice," he murmured, flushing at his

own boldness, then stepped up on the platform and resumed his pose.



(c) Oscar Wilde "The Picture of Dorian Gray"