ownership of a very strong head; the consequence was that, during

the whole space of time just mentioned, Mr Benjamin Allen had been

wavering between intoxication partial, and intoxication complete.

'My dear friend,' said Mr Ben Allen, taking advantage of Mr Bob

Sawyer's temporary absence behind the counter, whither he had

retired to dispense some of the second-hand leeches, previously

referred to; 'my dear friend, I am very miserable.'

Mr Winkle professed his heartfelt regret to hear it, and begged to know

whether he could do anything to alleviate the sorrows of the suffering

student.

Nothing, my dear boy, nothing,' said Ben. 'You recollect Arabella,

Winkle? My sister Arabella - a little girl, Winkle, with black eyes -

when we were down at Wardle's? I don't know whether you happened

to notice her - a nice little girl, Winkle. Perhaps my features may recall

her countenance to your recollection?'

Mr Winkle required nothing to recall the charming Arabella to his

mind; and it was rather fortunate he did not, for the features of her

brother Benjamin would unquestionably have proved but an

indifferent refresher to his memory. He answered, with as much

calmness as he could assume, that he perfectly remembered the

young lady referred to, and sincerely trusted she was in good health.

'Our friend Bob is a delightful fellow, Winkle,' was the only reply of Mr

Ben Allen.

'Very,' said Mr Winkle, not much relishing this close connection of the

two names.

I designed 'em for each other; they were made for each other, sent

into the world for each other, born for each other, Winkle,' said Mr

Ben Allen, setting down his glass with emphasis. 'There's a special

destiny in the matter, my dear sir; there's only five years' difference

between 'em, and both their birthdays are in August.'

Mr Winkle was too anxious to hear what was to follow to express

much wonderment at this extraordinary coincidence, marvellous as it

was; so Mr Ben Allen, after a tear or two, went on to say that,

notwithstanding all his esteem and respect and veneration for his

friend, Arabella had unaccountably and undutifully evinced the most

determined antipathy to his person.

'And I think,' said Mr Ben Allen, in conclusion. 'I think there's a prior

attachment.'

The Pickwick Papers