# Avis Beechinor — The Cords of Vanity character guide > Avis Beechinor in The Cords of Vanity by James Branch Cabell. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** Avis, dear Avis, Avis M. Beechinor **First appearance:** 0010-i-he-sits-out-a-dance ## Snapshot The girl Robert Townsend becomes secretly engaged to, a quiet presence whose mother's indignation and the narrator's own restless heart keep the match perpetually unannounced. ## Who they are Avis moves through Selwoode's social set as the woman Townsend has formally chosen, though Mrs. Beechinor has wrung from him only the barest concession of a private engagement. Against the chatter of livelier women like Margaret Hugonin, Avis remains a still, almost withheld figure, and the reader is left to wonder whether Townsend's happiness is genuine or merely another of his self-flattering postures. Her quiet claim on him becomes the early measure of how badly he keeps the promises he makes. ## Relationships ### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/characters/unknown_narrator) _romantic_ Avis is a woman of interest to the narrator, with a relationship marked by romantic pursuit and tension. ### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/characters/unknown_narrator) _romantic_ Avis is a woman of interest to the narrator, with a relationship marked by romantic pursuit and tension. ### [Unknown Narrator](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/characters/unknown_narrator) _romantic_ Avis is a woman of interest to the narrator, with a relationship marked by romantic pursuit and tension. ## In the story ### [XXIV: He Reconciles Sentiment and Reason](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/xxiv-he-reconciles-sentiment-and-reason) The alias under which Margaret Hugonin is introduced, and the name Townsend uses in his internal monologue. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/ii) Margaret Hugonin's cousin, described as an 'absolutely, supremely, inexpressibly unthinkable beauty,' who initially challenges Townsend but eventually offers to show him the gardens. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/iii) The narrator addresses Avis in his thoughts, lamenting her effect on him. ### [XXV: He Advances in the Attack on Selwoode](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/xxv-he-advances-in-the-attack-on-selwoode) Alias used by Margaret Hugonin during their courtship; Townsend addresses her as Avis. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/v) Avis is addressed familiarly by Townsend, but she insists on formality, indicating a reserved or cautious demeanor. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/vi) Declares the narrator a dear friend but insists marriage is impossible, then gradually relents to consider a November engagement. ### [He Assists in the Diversion of Birds](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/xxvi-he-assists-in-the-diversion-of-birds) Reveals she is a poor relation, not Margaret Hugonin, and had pursued Townsend thinking he was rich. Accepts his proposal after mutual honesty. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/ii) Accepts Townsend's proposal after revealing she initially mistook him for Peter Blagden due to her desperation to escape poverty. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/iii) Questions the narrator about his preference for her over Margaret Hugonin. ### [He Calls, and Counsels, and Considers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/xxvii-he-calls-and-counsels-and-considers) The narrator declares his love for Avis but questions the wisdom of marrying her. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/i) Avis is the narrator's fiancée, though the engagement is not yet announced; she has told Margaret everything. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/ii) Avis is mentioned as the subject of Margaret's forthcoming confidences. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/iii) The narrator is in love with her and planning to marry her. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/iv) Avis is the narrator's current fiancée, though the engagement is kept secret. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/v) Mentioned by Bettie as a 'slushy, mushy' person who will eventually throw Robin over. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/ix) The narrator is in love with Avis but worries about their compatibility in a lifelong companionship, citing her difficulty with four-syllable words. ### [He Participates in Sundry Confidences](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/xxviii-he-participates-in-sundry-confidences) Writes to break off engagement and announces her marriage to Peter Blagden. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/i) Avis sends a letter expressing doubt about their engagement and offering to release the narrator. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/ii) Writes to announce her marriage to Peter Blagden and return the narrator's letters. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/iv) Mentioned as having thrown Robin over, freeing him to propose to Bettie. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/ii) Avis is measured against the idealized Stella by her mother, and found wanting. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/characters/avis_beechinor - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/characters