He'd seen beautiful women before, though, women who caught his eye, but to his mind they usually lacked the traits he found more desirable. Traits like intelligence, confidence, strength of spirit, passion, traits that inspired others to greatness, traits he aspired to himself.
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Granted , I knew I had good qualities, but I don't regard my good qualities as extraordinary rare. Nor are my bad qualities extraordinary dire. In fact, I consider myself average in most respects, and even ten years ago, I knew I was destined for neither fame nor obscurity. Hazel, on the other hand, could have become anyone she chose. I've long since decided that Hazel would be equally at home in either poverty or wealth, in a cosmopolitan setting or rural one. Her ability to adapt has always impressed me. When looked at together-- her intelligence and passion, her kindness and charm -- it seemed obvious that Hazel would have made a wonderful wife to just about anyone.