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?”