RAVELLI, tenor, Don Jose, Carmen, Covent Garden --"I induced Miss Hauk to reappear as "Carmen", replacing Ravelli by the other tenor, De Falco."

Speranza

The following day I received this, other epistle:--

"February 10th.

"DEAR SIR,

"My client, Baron Hesse Wartegg,

has applied to me for advice concerning

the indignities which Signor Ravelli,

of your troupe, has offered to Mdme. Minnie Hauk

on the stage.

 

Signor Ravelli has uttered serious threats against the lady, and has on several occasions in presence of the public assaulted her and inflicted bodily injuries, notably on Monday evening last, during the performance of _Carmen_.

 

My client wishes me to invoke the protection of the law against similar occurrences, as Mdme. Hauk fears that her life is in imminent danger.

 

Under these circumstances I am compelled to apply to the magistrates for a warrant against Signor Ravelli, in order that he may be bound over to keep the peace.

 

The law of this State affecting offences of this character is very severe, and should the matter be brought to the cognizance of our courts, Miss Hauk will not only have ample protection, but Mr. Ravelli will be punished.

 

It is her desire, however, to avoid unpleasant notoriety, which would doubtless reflect on your entire troupe, and on your undertaking to execute a bond for 2,000 dollars to guarantee the future good conduct of Ravelli I shall proceed no further.

 

I respectfully invite your immediate attention to this, and beg you will favour me with an early reply.

 

Should I fail to hear from you before to-morrow evening I shall construe your silence as a refusal to secure proper protection for Miss Hauk and proceed accordingly.

"Miss Hauk and her husband are actuated by no other motives but those which are prompted by the lady's own safety. Please favour me with an early answer.

"Very respectfully yours,

"(Signed) WILLIAM VOCKE,

"Attorney for Miss Minnie Hauk."

I had no option but to give the bond.

That evening Signor Arditi, on leaving the theatre, caught a severe cold, which confined him to his bed, developing afterwards into an attack of pneumonia.

 

The assistant conductor, Signor Sapio, was attacked by a similar malady; also Mdlle. Bauermeister, who was soon indeed in a very dangerous condition.

The following evening Mdlle. Fohstroem appeared as "Lucia di Lammermoor," and met with very great success.

With much persuasion I induced Miss Hauk to reappear as "Carmen",

replacing Ravelli by the other tenor, De Falco.

 

 

During the ensuing week Arditi's condition became worse and worse.

 

As we were engaged to appear the following evening at Minneapolis we were compelled to leave him behind as well as various other members of the Company, who were also indisposed.

 

Prior to my departure I saw the doctor, who informed me that he considered Arditi's case hopeless; on which I prepared a cable for his wife asking what was to be done with his remains. This I left confidentially with the waiter.

I managed to get with the remnants of my Company to Minneapolis, where a severe attack of gout developed itself, which confined me to my bed; I in turn being left behind whilst the Company went on to St. Paul.