In the same melodious voice, coaxing her tenderly as though she were a child, he went on gravely.
"Only think that you are a girl, and that though I'm your devoted friend I'm an outsider, not your husband, nor your father, nor your betrothed.
Give me your arm and let us go; I will take you to the carriage, and if you will let me I will see you all the way home." She listened, and bent her head as though meditating.
"Let's go," she said with a sigh, giving him her hand.
But at that point a slight mischance befell her.

She must have turned carelessly, resting on her lame leg, which was shorter than the other.
She fell sideways into the chair, and if the chair had not been there would have fallen on to the floor.

He instantly seized and supported her, and holding her arm firmly in his, led her carefully and sympathetically to the door.

She was evidently mortified at having fallen; she was overwhelmed, blushed, and was terribly abashed.

Looking dumbly on the ground, limping painfully, she hobbled after him, almost hanging on his arm.