After some minutes Cameron, who was truly sorry for the girl, ventured to resume the conversation.

“Didn't you enjoy the evening, Mandy?”

“No, I didn't!” she replied shortly. “I can't dance and they all know it.”

“Why don't you learn, Mandy? You could dance if you practised.”

“I can't. I ain't like the other girls. I'm too clumsy.”

“Not a bit of it,” said Cameron. “I've watched you stepping about the house and you are not a bit clumsy. If you only practised a bit you would soon pick up the schottische.”

“Oh, you're just saying that because you know I'm mad,” said Mandy, slightly mollified.

“Not at all. I firmly believe it. I saw you try a schottische to-night with Perkins and—”

“Oh, shucks!” said Mandy. “He don't give me no show. He gets mad when I tramp on him.”

“All you want is practise, Mandy,” replied Cameron.