Dorian feels that his painting is essentially immortal. It’s bound to display the ravages of time and of his now-absent conscience in perpetuity, while Dorian’s physical body remains unsullied and beautiful. He plans for a reputable art framer named Mr. Hubbard to move the painting to an underused room in the residence. Dorian finds an extravagant, purple-and-gold piece of cloth obtained by his grandfather, in whom he has no fondness, to cover the painting. Mr. Hubbard arrives and treats Dorian with the same reverence that everyone treats him with.

Mr. Hubbard and his assistants move the painting successfully into the room, to which Dorian has the only key. Dorian becomes horrified when he thinks about how his painted likeness will bear the visual signs of age and decay. Mr. Hubbard asks to see the painting, but Dorian refuses. Dorian anticipates that his servant Victor will become aware that the painting has been moved and try to sneak into the room to see it. Dorian feels the weight of secrecy and suspicion weigh on him.

A few things from Lord Henry have been delivered to Dorian: a note, a book, and a copy of the third edition of the St. James Gazette.