This remark Amelia had probably heard from some of the servants, for those even who were attached to Adela, in consequence of the kindness of her parents, were so provoked by her ill-humour and exacting disposition, that they lost no opportunity of laughing at her expense. Her mother endeavoured to make her feel the absurdity of her conduct, and when she heard her complain of some trifling inconvenience, as for example, of being obliged to fetch her bonnet, which Amelia had taken up stairs to their room, by mistake, she said to her:
"Adela, does it hurt your feet to walk up stairs to your room?"
"No, mamma; but——"
"Or perhaps you are afraid of meeting by the way a wolf that will eat you up?"
Adela would have shrugged her shoulders if she had dared.
"Surely, my dear, it must cause you some great pain, otherwise you would not be so displeased about the matter."
"But, mamma! it puts me out of the way."
"And does it hurt you to be put out of the way?"
"I don't like it."