And round went the poker again, more fiercely than before.
All this was, of course, very soothing to the feelings of Mr.Winkle, who remained silent for a few minutes; but at length mustered up resolution to inquire whether Miss Allen was in Kent.
'No, no,' said Mr.Ben Allen, laying aside the poker, and looking very cunning; 'I didn't think Wardle's exactly the place for a headstrong girl; so, as I am her natural protector and guardian, our parents being dead, I have brought her down into this part of the country to spend a few months at an old aunt's, in a nice, dull, close place.

I think that will cure her, my boy.

If it doesn't, I'll take her abroad for a little while, and see what that'll do.' 'Oh, the aunt's is in Bristol, is it ?' faltered Mr.Winkle.
'No, no, not in Bristol,' replied Mr.Ben Allen, jerking his thumb over his right shoulder; 'over that way--down there.

But, hush, here's Bob.
Not a word, my dear friend, not a word.' Short as this conversation was, it roused in Mr.Winkle the highest degree of excitement and anxiety.

The suspected prior attachment rankled in his heart.