So far in his youthful career he had not learned to dance.

The one time he had tried, his girl partner had made fun of his awkwardness, so that ended his dancing.

But Dorian was not clumsy about his mother's home and table.

He handled the dishes as daintily as a girl, and the table was set and the food served in a very proper manner.
"Did you get your shoes, Dorian ?" Dorian burned his fingers on a dish which was not at all hot.
"Mother, sit up; supper is ready." They both drew up their chairs.

Dorian asked the blessing, then became unusually solicitous in helping his mother, continually talking as he did so.
"That little Duke girl was nearly drowned in the canal, this afternoon," he told her, going on with the details.