Published in 1874, No Intentions features a rather flabby plot, seemingly based on Love’s Conflict, but without the drama. Nevertheless, John Bull enjoyed it, although their reviewer was perturbed by the housekeeper’s insubordination. The Pall Mall Gazette were pleased with the tale, but felt it necessary to devote several paragraphs to Marryat’s singular approach to the English language. The Saturday Review found the novel “curiously destitute of originality”, although their damning verdict might be in part sour grapes, as the narrative refers to the periodical as a byword for sensationalism.
Illustration from London Society serialisation of No Intentions