"The White Virgin" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Clive Reed, a young engineer involved in the mining sector, as well as the complexities of his relationships, particularly with Janet Praed, the daughter of a doctor. As Clive navigates through personal and professional intricacies, the narrative hints at broader themes involving love, ambition, and social dynamics within a mining community. At the start of the novel, Clive Reed engages in an intimate exchange with Dr. Praed, who expresses concern about his daughter's potential suitors and reveals details about an old mine known as the "White Virgin" that Clive has been investigating. The interactions introduce the reader to Clive's deep feelings for Janet and the tension with her jealous father. Simultaneously, we encounter a sub-plot involving Jessop Reed and his ambitious pursuits that suggest darker motives and intrigue surrounding the mine's potential discoveries. The opening effectively sets up the emotional stakes for the characters and the challenges they face against a backdrop of personal relationships intertwined with mining ventures. (This is an automatically generated summary.)