Her words bring him to realise the fact that Norrell himself is also here, and that such a thing might be mistaken -- and that the truth of it, even...! That his servant has been in a brawl!

"It is a sad business indeed, a very sad business. One I am sorry to see you wrapped up in. I was here on account of my servant, who thought to make a hero of himself, but I did not think to hear you involved in such things. It is not good for the reputation, you understand."

Norrell flashes her a wincing, pitying smile.