"Anything Once" by Isabel Ostrander is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around two main characters, James Botts and Lou Lacey, who find themselves together in a rural setting after a chance roadside encounter. As they navigate their way through personal trials and a shared journey, they grapple with themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of societal expectations. At the start of the novel, a young man is discovered injured on the side of a dusty road by Lou, a resourceful and spirited girl. She tends to his wounds and helps him recover in a secluded spot. As they talk, it becomes clear that Lou is running away from a difficult past, and is naïve about the world. Despite their differing backgrounds, a bond forms between them as they journey together. James, who is on a time-sensitive quest to reach New York, feels a sense of responsibility for Lou, while she admires his self-reliance and courage. Their relationship evolves against the backdrop of rural America, setting the stage for further adventures and personal revelations as they move closer to their respective destinies. (This is an automatically generated summary.)