A Romance of Toronto (Founded on Fact)

Marriage and money occupy two friends aboard a steamer approaching Toronto across Lake Ontario. Buckingham has a woman in mind, yet wants greater financial comfort before marrying; Dale questions the wisdom of waiting. A letter from Elaine Gower then turns the city into a vivid social presence, describing its neighbourhoods, institutions, newspapers and entertainments through an elaborate portrait of Toronto as a mother with children.

Published in 1888, Annie G. Savigny's novel combines this conversational city portrait with a more anxious story in Bayswater. There, bookseller Silas Jones tries to discover what has happened to Sarah Kane, meeting harsh replies as he seeks information. His attachment to her gives this part of the story its emotional weight. Savigny's introductory note attributes both plots to actual lives. Readers can find period courtship, urban description and concerns about loyalty and reputation woven through scenes of conversation and personal trouble.