The full title is apparently The Virginian, a Horseman of the Plains but I have read it several times and only know it as The Virginian. You can get this novel free from Amazon for your Kindle.
What a good book this is! It is one of the better Westerns and just a very absorbing, entertaining novel. It was written in 1902, when we were not that far removed from what is termed "the old West." If you don’t think of romance when you think of Westerns, read on.
"Will you try a turn, ma'am?"
"I beg your pardon?"
It was a remote, well-schooled eye that she lifted now upon him.
"If you like a waltz, ma'am, will you waltz with me?"
"You're from Virginia, I understand?" said Molly Wood, regarding him politely, but not rising. One gains authority immensely by keeping one's seat. All good teachers know this.
"Yes, ma'am, from Virginia." "I've heard that Southerners have such good manners."
"That's correct." The cow-puncher flushed, but he spoke in his unvaryingly gentle voice.
"For in New England, you know," pursued Miss Molly, noting his scarf and clean-shaven chin, and then again steadily meeting his eye, "gentlemen ask to be presented to ladies before they ask them to waltz."
Unspoken is that he had previously come to her aid, although they had never spoken.
The Virginian is deservedly well known as an iconic Western that was made into movies and a television show. But, as a teenager I was delighted with the love story and I enjoyed re-reading it as an adult for the romance. Which does not mean it doesn't include such Western standards as a throw down over a card game!
Comments