* * * * *

The next day Dumont felt better than he had felt for a year.

"Ilse, who is the short and broadly constructed American who comes now

already every day to see thee and to hear thee sing?"

"His name is Eddie Brandes."

"He is of the fight gesellschaft, not?"

"He should gain much money by the fight. A theatre in Chicago may he

willingly control, in which light opera shall be given."

"Is it for that he hears so willingly thy voice?"

"It is for that.... And love."

"And what of Herr Max Venem, who has asked of me thy little hand in

marriage?"

The girl was silent.

"Thou dost not love him?"

"No."

* * * * *

Toward sunset, Dumont, lying by the window, opened his eyes of a dying

Lämmergeier: "My Ilse."

"Father?"

"What has thou to this man said?"

"That I will be engaged to him if thou approve."

"He has gained the fight?"

"Today.... And many thousand dollars. The theatre in Chicago is his

when he desires. Riches, leisure, opportunity to study for a career

upon his stage, are mine if I desire."

"Dost thou desire this, little Ilse?"

"Yes."

"And the man Venem who has followed thee so long?"

"I cannot be what he would have me--a Hausfrau--to mend his linen

for my board and lodging."

"And the Fatherland which placed me here on outpost?"

"I take thy place when God relieves thee."

"So ist's recht!... Grüs Gott--Ilse----"

* * * * *

Among the German settlers a five-piece brass band had been organised

the year before.

It marched at the funeral of Albrecht Dumont, lately head gamekeeper

to nobility in the mountains of a long-lost province.

Three months later Ilse Dumont arrived in Chicago to marry Eddie

Brandes. One Benjamin Stull was best man. Others present included

"Captain" Quint, "Doc" Curfoot, "Parson" Smawley, Abe Gordon--friends

of the bridegroom.

Invited by the bride, among others were Theodor Weishelm, the Hon.

Charles Wilson, M. P., and Herr Johann Kestner, a wealthy gentleman

from Leipsic seeking safe and promising investments in Canada and the

United States.

* * * * *

A year later Ilse Dumont Brandes, assuming the stage name of Minna

Minti, sang the rôle of Bettina in "The Mascotte," at the Brandes

Theatre in Chicago.

A year later, when she created the part of Kathi in "The White

Horse," Max Venem sent word to her that she would live to see her

husband lying in the gutter under his heel. Which made the girl

unhappy in her triumph.




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