'What is it, dear?' said he gently.
'You know. He, your father, was laughing at her; he made other people laugh at her; he made you laugh. I don't think it was a good joke. There are many sorts of bad breeding; I think he showed one of the worst.'
'I am sorry you take it like that, Amelie,' said he. 'It is true I laughed, but I did not laugh at your mother; I laughed at the comedy of the situation.'
'He made a fool of her,' continued Amelie; 'but I think he made a cad of himself.'
'That is rather strong language,' said Bertie.
'I think it is suitable language. I think you ought to ask him to behave with courtesy to my guests—not with exaggerated courtesy.'
Bertie thought for a moment.
'I will tell him that he hurt your feelings, if you wish,' said he at length.
'That is not the point,' said she.
'For me it is.'