
In this spirited tale a young British lieutenant finds himself stationed in the frosty heart of Quebec during the winter of the 1860s. Through his witty, self‑aware narration we glimpse the bustling colonial society, its lively gatherings, and the striking contrast between English spring and the icy Canadian landscape. He describes his fellow officers, the rugged streets built on ancient rock, and, most intriguingly, the endless parade of elegant Canadian women who dominate the social scene.
When the officer meets a mysterious young lady whose presence seems as cold and dazzling as the surrounding ice, his usual confidence is both challenged and enchanted. Their tentative courtship offers a window onto the cultural tensions of a colony balancing British loyalty and emerging North‑American identity. As he navigates friendship, duty, and the pull of an unexpected romance, the story promises humor, heartfelt moments, and a glimpse of life on the edge of a winter frontier.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (451K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2007-07-07
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1833–1880
A pioneering Canadian novelist and teacher, he wrote lively adventure stories, satire, and historical fiction that found a wide readership in the late 19th century. He is also remembered for the strange posthumous novel A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder, which later gained a lasting cult following.
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