Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1897-03-04
A moment later, however, saw him

IoT'SUtJen by lie successful singer as
completely as though l had never
crossed his path.
On my way home that evening had
a sight stroke of luck. I fell in with
Charlie East, an old schoolfellow,
and he hearing of my critical condi-
tion, insisted ON lending me sover-
eign. Out of this / gave Mrs Hulk
table something on account, and went
ITO bed in a happier frame of mind than
l had for weeks.
Next Monday there came a letter
which took my breath away. 1t ran
thus:
Omitted States Concert Bureau,
George Street, W.,
Nov. 2, 1SS-.
''Dear Sir-Mr. Kent one of our di-
rectors has handed us your card with
a view to our enga ging you for a series
of concerts promoted by this agency,
Ito be he'd between now and the Ell,
suing spring. Unfortunately, Mr..
York since he had the pleasure of
meeting you, so that he will be unable
Ito go into matters with you personally,
but if you will call here at your earliest
convenience we will enIdeay'or to meet
your views as far as possible. Very
respectfully yours,
Omitted States Concert Bureau,
(per) G. Willis, Secretary
Two feelings struggled for the mas
terry i'm my heart, as read these lines
amazement and joy. Amusement that
such a le1ter should have been ad
dressed to me-joy that it had come
at al.
My first impulse would have been
to go straight to George Street, but
further reflection showed me that such
a COURSE would be impolitic. Evident
ly the letter mad been written under
the impression that 1 was a leading
Light in the musical world land TOO
much haste ON my part in Interviewing
the Bureau would probably destroy
fhlat impression. | decided, there
fore, TO write plain acknowledge
ment, and l did, adding that I would
call as soon as my engagements pen
Untitled. 1 could not help smiling iron
fcaEy ais wrote the last phrase.
On the following Wednesday I went
to the office. There I was usheTed in
to a s1nc,.4 room, Mttered with papers.
where a young man sat writing. lie
rose ITO receive me with much defer
ence.
Good morning, SIR" he said, as be
placed a chair for me. "Sit down.
L m very sorry that Mr.. Kent isn't
here ito arrange matters With you; blrt
as I told you in my letter, he has been
summoned away. He heard you sing
.,- Thursday might ait the big con-
cent ait --deiaide Hail, and he decided
alt once tina, you should be among our
Daratones for our winter and spring
shows. Anat S, of course he added
quickly, '.if we can come TO terms.
AS he said these words, lne solution
O. lie mystery flashed across my mind.
Luigi had handed my card to The
American to whom l had seen hii:l
talking after I left him, believing in
the hurry of Inc moment that the card
Wtas his own. The American had then
left the card with his people, telling
llem doubtless (in the off-hand man
ner in which our trans-A tlant1ic cous-
ins manage these affairs) to engage
the singer named on that card. Yes.
TllaIt was the secret of the mystery.
My last card had turned UP trumps in
deed
WllMGt followed at the interview L
possible manner. The terms Offered
me were SUE as made me feel inclined
to Jump from my seat w = JOY, but
naturally l did nothing of the sort,
and behaved as much Like sane per-
son as my delight would allow me.
Before | left the room | had signed
tie contract for the whole series of
concerts.
The first concert came off three weeks
later. How l lived through the ex-
element preceding it | hardly know.
My excitement was simply oyerWheim-
ing, for l knew now THAT the great
chance of my career, eagerly Walted
for, longed for and prayed for, ha
come at last. Monday night, the nis'l.
OF the first concert, would decide my
fate for me.
1t came at length. l trembled VIC
lentay until the moment arrived tcl
my appearance, and then al my fea
left me, and l faced the brilliant ana
mighty audience with steadfast heart
l sang my first song.
When I To- back upon that night,
/ look ~ upon the --appiest night
of nv life. After my first song, the
enthusiasm was intense, and after my
second, : was recalled five times. My
Triumph was complete.
Little remains to tell. My progress
from that night ON was triumplslA
march engagements poured in, the
newspapers chronrcled my successes
day arrer day. By one lucky stroke.
l mad achieved fame and fortune.
Latter ON, of course, the whole tr,it'
came out; hut Luigi, strangely enough
instead OF being furious, seemed raj re.
amused. BE met me one day in f4cc.i-
dilly long afterward, and holding out
his hand, said:
Congratulate you with all my heart,