Adelaide was really surprised.
“Why, my love,” she answered, “I haven’t said half the things I might say. I rather thought I was sparing your feelings. After all, when you see her, you will admit that she does dress like an Eton boy.”
“She didn’t when I saw her,” said Mr. Lanley.
Adelaide turned to her father.
“Papa, I leave it to you. Did I say anything that should have wounded anybody’s susceptibilities?”
Mr. Lanley hesitated.
“It was the tone Mathilde did not like, I think.”
Adelaide raised her shoulders and looked beautifully hurt.
“My tone?” she wailed.
“It hurt me,” said Mathilde, laying her little hand on her heart.