A Border Ruffian 1891

"A Border Ruffian" by Thomas A. Janvier is a captivating story set in the New Mexico territory, where the conventions of high society clash spectacularly with the ruggedness of frontier life. A journey begins when Grace Winthrop, a proper young lady from Boston, travels west and encounters a gruff desperado, initially causing alarm on her train ride. But against expectations, this supposed outlaw becomes Grace's unexpected protector, stepping in during an unwanted advance from a pushy traveler. This encounter dramatically alters Grace’s views on first impressions and the nature of outlaws. The narrative shifts to a lavish Philadelphia dinner party hosted by a social leader where Grace is astonished to find her unexpected savior there, who is presented as the respectable Van Ruyter Livingstone. Through their evolving relationship, the story reveals the complexities of identity, invites the reader to see beyond superficial judgments, and challenges the rigid social norms of the time.