The Virginian returns to Medicine Bow and meets the new school teacher, Felicity Andrews, who has every man in the area entranced with her dance lessons and beauty. When her older sister Kate sees Felicity's interest in The Virginian, she goes to Shiloh to buy Felicity a riding horse for her birthday and ask The Virginian to her birthday party. He accepts and as he sees the impact she has on others including her pupils his interest in her develops as well. After a relatively short courtship, he asks her to marry him and she accepts. When Kate learns the monetary investment The Virginian is making for their home, she tells him the truth. Felicity has a fatal illness with little time left. Her mother had the same illness leading to their father killing their mother and committing suicide. Felicity does not know about her illness. The Virginian must decide what to do as their wedding is soon.
—Anonymous