Sir George, notwithstanding Arabella's Care to deprive him of an Opportunity of speaking to her, told her, in a Whisper, having eagerly alighted to help her off her Horse,
I am going, Madam, to find out that insolent Man, who has dared to offer Violence to the fairest Person in the World: And, if I am so happy as to meet with him, he shall either take my Life, or I will put him into a Condition never to commit any more Offences of that Nature.
Saying this, he made a low Bow; and, being desirous to prevent her Answer, remounted his Horse, and went away with the rest of the Company.
Arabella, who, upon this Occasion, was to be all Confusion, mixed with some little Resentment, discovered so much Emotion in her Looks, while Sir George was whispering to her, that her Uncle, as he was handing her into the House, asked her, If she was offended at any thing Sir George had said to her?
Arabella, construing this Question as she had done some other things her Uncle had said to her, replied, in a reserved manner, Since my Looks, contrary to my Intention, have betrayed my Thoughts to you, I will not scruple to confess, that I have some Cause to be offended with Sir George; and that, in two Instances To-day, he has seemed to forget the Respect he owes me.
Sir Charles was fired at this Account: Is it possible, said he, that Sir George has had the Assurance to say any thing to offend you, and that before my Face too? This Affront is not to be borne.
