The true essence of Stevenson’s character unfolds with the poignant news of Fanny Osbourne’s grave illness. His ramblings through the serene landscapes of France with her may initially appear driven by youthful infatuation, yet his bold decision to forsake familial approval, professional prospects, and even his own safety to rush to Osbourne's side reveals that his ardor is fueled by something far deeper than a mere fascination with her alluring appearance.

Murphy elaborates:

Stevenson saw Fanny as the epitome of perfection. She was petite and delicately framed, her complexion held a captivating, enigmatic allure. An observer once remarked on her "eyes were full of . .. mystery as they changed from fire to fun to gloom or tenderness." Stevenson’s attraction transcended her exotic beauty. Her fierce independence, sharp intellect, and firm stances won his admiration. She conversed with authority and insight on a plethora of subjects, spanning art, politics, travel, and literature.

The Intellectual Bond

Murphy's insights into Fanny Osbourne’s allure are crucial to understanding how he portrays Stevenson throughout Across America on an Emigrant Train. "She could talk intelligently and with authority," Murphy notes, and aboard the Devonia and on the train, Stevenson remains ever drawn to individuals of intellect and experience. He stands firm against narrow-minded judgments, extolling the sensible, articulate nature of his fellow passengers. Clearly, his intellectual pursuits are a cornerstone of his existence.

A Robust Spirit

Yet, Stevenson is no fragile romantic, overly delicate and impractical. Rather, he is a vigorous young man, embodying both thoughtfulness and physical bravery. While he deviates from the crowd—such as in rejecting any involvement in the oppression of Native Americans—he eagerly engages where teamwork and effort are called for. Open-minded and accepting, he embraces those from diverse backgrounds. His curiosity about different cultures compels him to not just understand but to connect, even if it means enduring the discomfort of wooden benches on trains alongside others.

The Writer's Perspective

As a burgeoning writer, not yet renowned, Stevenson possesses a keen eye for detail and an insatiable love for language. Thus, America captivates him profoundly:

There is no part of the world where [the names are] so rich, poetical, humorous, and picturesque as the United States of America. All times, races, and languages have brought their contributions.. . . The names of the States and Territories themselves form a chorus of sweet and most romantic vocables: Delaware, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming, Minnesota, and the Carolinas; there are few poems with nobler music to the ear; a songful, tuneful land.

A Journey Tempered with Realism

His euphoria over the melodic allure of America's place names is tinged by the stark realities of his travels. The boundless plains of the Midwest, with their monotonous flatness, leave him yearning. Raised amidst Scotland’s dramatic hills and dales, the Midwest’s undulating sameness baffles him. Such landscapes, coupled with meager sustenance and restless nights, weigh heavily upon him. The rugged Rockies stand as a blessed relief, where "Every spire of pine along the hilltop, every pool along the mountain river, was more dear to me than a blood-relation."

Capturing America’s Spirit

There is an innocent delight in his expressions, making him an engaging companion on the pages of Across America on an Emigrant Train. Stevenson approaches America with the enthusiasm of new discovery, electrified not only by its vistas but by its unrestrained promise. His delight is tempered by astute observations of human nature, yet when his spirit soars with the moment, he embodies the essence of why people journeyed to America and why such fervent affection for its land persists.