It might have been the tone in which Ben pronounced the word improper, or it might have been the sagacious shake of the head which Ben accompanied his words with, or it might have been that Arabella was drawing a conclusion from the whole transaction; but certain it is, that she began to have a glimmering perception that Mr. Ben was making a great mistake.
"Oh, heaven!" she said. "What are you saying Mr. Ben? I am speaking of the advice I was foolish enough to give Johanna."
"Advice?"
"Yes, that is all. Into what mischief could you have tortured my meaning? I am much mistaken in you, sir."
"What? Then, it isn't—a-hem! That is to say, you haven't—dear me, I shall put my foot in it directly. What a fool I am."
"You are, indeed," said the now indignant Arabella, and a slight flush upon her cheeks showed how deeply wronged she was by the unworthy construction Ben had put upon her innocent words.
"Good-bye, Miss A. W.," added Ben. "Good-bye; I see I am out of your books; but if you fancy I meant any harm, you don't know me. God bless you. Take care of yourself my dear, and go home. I won't stay to plague you any longer. Good-bye."
"Stop! Stop!"
Ben paused.
"I am sure, Mr. Ben, you did not mean to say a single word that could be offensive to a friendless girl in the street."