The False Chevalier or, The Lifeguard of Marie Antoinette

'The False Chevalier or, The Lifeguard of Marie Antoinette' is a romance-adventure novel written by W. D. Lighthall. The story is set in 1786 in the town of Montreal, and unfolds as the merchant Lecour is giving his son, Germain, his paternal blessing before he leaves for France the next day. The merchant has sent for his son because the North-West Company, which controls the fur-trade in Canada, has received word that a new fashion in Paris has doubled the demand for beaver and tripled the price. Lecour wants to send his son to France on a ship that will leave for Dieppe the day after tomorrow, to try and beat the North-West Company to the market. Germain's mother is excited for him to go to France and see Versailles, her dream for him.