Classicly

The People of the Mist is a classic lost race fantasy novel written by H. Rider Haggard, an English writer of adventure fiction set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa, and a pioneer of the lost world literary genre.

Penniless Leonard Outram attempts to redress the undeserved loss of his family estates and fiancee by seeking his fortune in Africa. In the course of his adventures he and his Zulu companion Otter save a young Portuguese woman, Juanna Rodd, together with her nursemaid Soa, from slavery. Leonard and Juanna are plainly attracted to each other, but prone to bickering, and their romance is impeded by the watchful and jealous Soa.