I refer you to the young lady herself." His voice rose higher and higher--he was thoroughly offended with me.
Need I add (seeing the prospect not far off of _his_ bullying _me_), that I unblushingly shifted my ground, and tried a little civility next?
"If I have done you an injustice, sir, I ask your pardon," I answered.
"Having said so much, I have only to add that I shall be satisfied if I hear what the circumstances are, from yourself." This soothed his offended dignity.

His gentler manner began to show itself again.
"The truth is," he said, "that I owe my introduction to the young lady to an ill-tempered little dog belonging to the people at the inn.

The dog had followed the person here who attends on me: and it startled the lady by flying out and barking at her as she passed this house.

After I had driven away the dog, I begged her to come in and sit down until she had recovered herself.

Am I to blame for doing that?
I don't deny that I felt the deepest interest in her and that I did my best to amuse her, while she honored me by remaining in my house.