Books: Trollope's Comeback

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Its plot — which of two babies, one still unborn, is to succeed to the title of Lord Popenjoy — is not so much the point of the story as the point at which feverish uncles, aunts and in-laws collect, each to fight for his or her chosen Popenjoy and, in the process, to stand self-revealed.

Like all Trollope's best novels, Popenjoy exists both in and between the lines; like the age in which it was written, there is a smooth, romantic surface on which the most innocent girl may skate without danger, and, just below, the murky waters of worldliness.

Trollope knew that even in their most idealistic moments the best men and women could be self-seeking — not merely be cause they were naturally ambitious, but because ambition was demanded by the conventions. Perhaps this is what he meant to convey to the lady who, on seeing him devour a huge meal, remarked : "You seem to have a very good appetite, Mr. Trol lope!" "None at all, madam," he replied, "but, thank God, I am very greedy."