[Charlotte Bronte to her schoolfriend Ellen Nussey, 1 January 1833:] 'I am glad you like "Kenilworth"; it is certainly a splendid production, more resembling a Romance than a Novel, and in my opinion one of the most interesting works that ever emanated from the great Sir Walter's pen. I am exceedingly amused at the characteristic and naive manner in which you expressed your detestation of Varney's character [...] he is certainly the personification of consummate villainy, and in the delineation of his dark and profoundly artful mind, Scott exhibits a wonderful knowledge of human nature, as well as surprising skill in embodying his perceptions so as to enable others to become participators in that knowledge.'