Isn't this Joan Hassel woodcut of the dazzling Charles too funny? The man is perfection itself, as he will tell anyone who asks. I hooted at his description of himself in Ch. 7. There is no equal to him in beauty or accomplishments.

"I look upon myself to be, Sir, a perfect Beauty -- where would you see a finer figure or a more charming face. Then, sir, I imagine my Manners & Address to be of the most polished kind; there is a certain elegance, a peculiar sweetness in them that I never saw equalled & cannot describe. -- Partiality aside, I am certainly more accomplished in every Language, every Science, every Art and every thing than any other person in Europe. My temper is even, my virtues innumerable, my self unparalelled."

But, alas, he rejects both Alice and Lucy, remaining "the lovely, the lively, but insensible Charles Adams." (ch 2) I love that line. Not only does he break hearts, but he has mantraps set on his land, "Oh! cruel Charles, to wound the hearts & legs of all the fair." (Ch 6)

And he winds up marrying Lady Williams, of all people. Well, I suppose she is the only woman in the story who comes close to Charles's splendor. "In Lady Williams every virtue met. She was a widow with a handsome Jointure & the remains of a very handsome face." (Ch 1)

"The remains of a very handsome face" LOL!!