After Bob Ewell confronted Atticus, what does Atticus's reaction reveal about his character in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Bob Ewell's confrontation with Atticus takes place in
Chapter 23 of To Kill a Mockingbird. It was Miss Stephanie Crawford
who witnessed the threats made by Bob, and she is quick to spread the word around town.
Atticus would say little about it, but according to Miss
Stephanie,

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Atticus was leaving the post office when Bob
Ewell approached him, cursed him, spat on him, and threatened to kill
him.

Atticus "didn't bat an
eye," and merely retrieved his handkerchief to wipe the spit out of his face. Ewell
continued to curse Atticus, but Atticus' peaceful lack of retaliation only angered him
further.

"Too
proud to fight, you nigger-lovin' bastard?" Miss Stephanie said Atticus said, "No, too
old."

Atticus then
nonchalantly walked away. His only response was that

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"I wish Bob Ewell wouldn't chew
tobacco."

Atticus' actions
are really no surprise. He discourages Scout to fight and refuses to tell his children
about his marksmanship abilities. He is a peaceful man whose actions always speak louder
than words.