[He began to feel a little guilty for speaking so harshly towards her. It was clear that hitting him hadn't been the intent.]

Ah- uh.. well... just see that it doesn't and we can let the matter drop all together.

[Though there was less force in his words. He tried to turn this around.]

Besides, it looks like you really gave those varlets a run for their money! [For effect he swung his cane through the air a couple of times] That'll teach them better than to mess with this lot again.