My Lady of the Snows

This work cannot be fully understood unless the reader is aware  of the writer's motives. The book has a twofold meaning — that of  a political novel, and that of the portrayal of a great love and a  religious drama. 

As Disraeli in his novels portrayed the political and social conditions of certain eras of his country, in a simple way this work is  intended to portray the conditions existing in Canada at an era  when the country was in a state of transition, with the idealistic  conception of what the government of a country should be, the  conception being based upon a knowledge of the inherent principles  of Divine Right and upon Plato's Republic of Justice. 

The scene is laid prior to the last election during Sir John A.  Macdonald's administration. There are no great questions  at issue, politics are seen in their lowest form; the protective tariff  had been adopted, and with the advent of machinery the old order of things was passing away; the new order had not yet brought any great issues before the people, and the election, commonly called  the "Old Flag" election, was run merely on a sentiment of loyalty  to the motherland. 

"My Lady of the Snows" is a woman who has been born "great," and one who has based her life on principles rather than  the emotions, or Plato's theory that the emotions should remain subservient to the will.