Riders of the Purple Sage

Jane has moved Fay and her mother into Withersteen House. Mrs. Larkin is ill again, so Jane nurses her while caring for Fay. Jane introduces Lassiter to Fay and watches as he instantly falls in love with the child. Jane asks Lassiter to spend more time at the house so that she might convince him that Mormons are not as bad as he believes. Lassiter hesitates, but when Fay extends her own invitation to him, he cannot refuse. Lassiter begins visiting the house morning and night, often taking Fay for rides with him. At the house, Lassiter and Jane spend their evenings together. Jane becomes aware of Lassiter’s admiration for her, and she enjoys it, using it over the next month to change his outlook on the world.

One night, Jane asks Lassiter to give her his guns. Jane explains she knows his reputation of targeting Mormon men and wants to stop him from killing any more Mormons. She tells Lassiter that she made a promise to Milly Erne that she wouldn’t let anyone kill in her name, and she believes that is what Lassiter intends to do. Lassiter becomes angry and leaves the house.

The following day, Lassiter doesn’t come at his usual time, but Jane receives a visit from Bishop Dyer.