 Evelyn Waugh , who reviewed the early novels as they appeared at two @-@ year intervals , found Widmerpool particularly compelling . He wrote to Powell after reading At Lady Molly 's ( fourth volume ) : " In the opening pages I felt the void of Widmerpool really aching – I could not have borne another page 's delay for his entry . Did you intend him to dominate the series ? " After reviewing Casanova 's Chinese Restaurant Waugh complained of a " sad disappointment – only three pages of Widmerpool " . 
