His own mishap was really understood:

Then Arnold, in his wonted happy mood,

Perceiving Hollybrand confounded, smil’d,

And said to George: “It is your own dear child

Who sent me tidings of that dread affair;

I’ll lay a wager, George, you’ve taken care,

When going to town upon a market-day,

To guard against a similar affray!”

“Yes, yes,” said George, with smiling countenance,

“You may depend, dear sir, I’ve ever since