“Oh, something like, ‘Charming boy⁠—poor dear mother and I absolutely inseparable. Quite forget what he does⁠—afraid he⁠—doesn’t do anything⁠—oh, yes, plays the piano⁠—or is it the violin, dear Mr. Gray?’ Neither of us could help laughing, and we became friends at once.”

“Laughter is not at all a bad beginning for a friendship, and it is far the best ending for one,” said the young lord, plucking another daisy.

Hallward shook his head. “You don’t understand what friendship is, Harry,” he murmured⁠—“or what enmity is, for that matter. You like everyone; that is to say, you are indifferent to everyone.”