Dear brethren, the moral is homely.
How had he offended? That he should ask the question, was the acme of his offense. As if she could tell how he had offended. Was there ever so impertinent a question and questioner? "How had he been so unfortunate as to offend?" Any other man would have said "unhappy," whether he meant it or not, but this man, oh! he would not even look a culprit.
She raised her haughty head a trifle higher, as high as it could be; she drew back as many steps as he had advanced; the room had become a refrigerator.
"Doctor Heath flatters himself; in what manner could he offend me?"
"Doctor Heath flatters himself."
Still he retains his composure, not guessing at the truth.