You would be right, Jeff and Monika.
The Virginian was published in 1902, and I'm rereading a lot of turn-of-the-century literature in a new light, comparing it to our own turn of the century and finding many parallels. For instance, writers were chafing against the tight leash of Victorianism and were questioning society's strictures, including that against a man loving another man. What better place to explore an open perspective than the wide open spaces of Wyoming?
Yet, the Virginian was a Southern gentleman with a strict code of honour. But he was also "Nature's nobleman" imbued with the grace and beauty of any sleek, natural animal in the wild. A pleasing combination!!