The Intrusions of Peggy Annotated

The Intrusions of Peggy by Anthony Hope

Anthony Hope has written two types of stories; one interesting for the civilized detail, the other for the situation, and the plot. When we read the first type, we don't care about the result and we don't get excited. If we have a lot of free time and we care about little twists of expression, feeling, and thought, and we care a lot about a clean and pleasant society, we are content with books like "The Dolly Dialogues." The mixture of tolerance, civility, and cynicism is perfect for the lazy person of refinement who does not want to do anything too difficult; even to feel and think. The other kind of book streak that Mr. Hope has gotten right is the romantic adventure story: "The Prisoner of Zenda," where we are rushed by a series of exciting impossibilities. "The Intrusions of Peggy" is a mixture of these two manners. It has the Hope quality in the details: the indirect and civilized suggestion, the lightness, the touch of the mere stylist. Relevant citations can be made ad infinitum. It also has other elements, like intrigue and some excitement.