In this scene Claudius first befriends Laertes to lower his guard. Then he questions if Laertes truly loved his father, which is playing with his emotions. Claudius then sweet talks Laertes about his skills as a swordsman and uses him to kill Hamlet in a duel.
To a large group of people, Claudius pretends to be very happy to hear that Hamlet is feeling better and is excited for a performance. He is manipulating everyone into thinking he truly cares for