Top 100 Classic Books William Wilkie Collins was an English novelist, playwright, and short story writer. The Frozen Deep is a story of a love triangle between Clara, Frank and Richard. Exchanging vows of love with sailor Frank Aldersley the night before his departure, Clara Burn-ham is haunted by the memory of Richard Wardour, and his mistaken belief that they will one day marry. With her gift of "Second Sight", Clara foresees terrible tragedy ahead and is racked by guilt.