Barriers Burned Away
Arrives in Chicago and is hired as a porter at Ludolph's store, beginning his journey of ambition and self-improvement.
I: Love Unknown
Returns home through a blizzard to find his father ill and despairing; his presence brings both shock and comfort to his parents.
II: Love Known
Witnesses his father's death and spiritual reconciliation, and is entrusted with the care of his mother and sisters.
III: Launched
Sanguine and ambitious, Dennis leaves for Chicago to seek fortune, believing he can overcome any obstacle. He is both wise and naive, unaware of the social distinctions that await him.
IV: Cold Water
Arrives in Chicago with ten dollars, seeks employment, faces multiple rejections, loses his way, and struggles with temptation and self-reproach.
V: A Hornet's Nest
Resolves to approach the day with precision and self-control; writes a restrained letter to his mother; secures then loses a job due to his association with Gavin's Hotel; is extorted by the bartender and leaves in shame.
VI: “Starve Then!”
Desperately searches for work, refuses a barroom job on principle, and sinks into despair and doubt.
A Good Samaritan
Sits dejected in a bar, feeling hopeless about his job prospects and his family's welfare, but is uplifted by Bill Cronk's kindness and advice.
VIII: Yahcob Bunk
Dennis reads his Bible, prays for guidance, and decides to trust God for temporal needs. He works shoveling snow, earns money, and pays his board.
IX: Land at Last
Hired as porter at Ludolph's store after clearing the sidewalk and applying for the position; demonstrates honesty and dignity.
X: The New Broom
Begins work as porter, writes to his mother about his spiritual awakening, shows artistic sensitivity, and handles the bootblack incident with dignity.
XI: Too Much Alike
Deeply affected by the painting; feels embarrassed when Christine appears and he is caught staring.
Blue Blood
Working as a porter, he overhears Christine's offer and feels a deep interest in her and her artistic knowledge, though he is dismissed as insignificant by her. His beauty-loving nature is drawn to her despite recognizing flaws.
XIII: Very Cold
Observes Christine from a distance, fascinated by her beauty and artistic interest, but troubled by her coldness. He dreams of bridging the social gulf through shared love of art.
XIV: She Speaks to Him
Works as a bootblack, feels humiliated by Christine's treatment, but resolves to keep his word and endure his position with patience and prayer.
Promoted
Demonstrates artistic skill in arranging the display, remains honest under pressure, and is promoted after Berder's deception is exposed.
Just in Time
Arrives at the Bruder attic at the critical moment, blocking Bruder from selling the painting.
Rescued
Acts as a rescuer and friend, providing financial and emotional support to the Bruder family, arranging art lessons, and hiring Ernst.
Miss Ludolph Makes a Discovery
Oversleeps after a troubled night, is awoken by Christine's singing, defends his late night, brings Ernst into the store, receives his mother's letter, and advises Mr. Bruder on art.
XIX: What Is the Matter with Him?
Determined to avoid being awakened by Christine's music; shows care in his toilet; demonstrates artistic taste and intelligence during the picture arrangement; reveals his ambition to learn about art; later reflects on Christine's spiritual state and vows to pray for her.
XX: Is He a Gentleman?
Arrives at the Winthrop mansion expecting to be treated as a gentleman, but is humiliated when the ladies refuse to introduce him. He resolves to endure for his family and vows to rise in society.
Christine's Idea of Christians
Assists with the stage setup with quiet dignity, is hurt by Christine's unbelief, and resolves to defend his faith.
Equal to an Emergency
Defends his faith with the fiery cross, demonstrates musical genius, and maintains composure under social snubs.
The Revelation
Sings with Christine, moves the audience with heartfelt emotion, and experiences the painful revelation of his love for her.
Night Thoughts
Struggles with his love for Christine, feeling hopeless due to class barriers and religious scruples; ultimately submits to God's will.
XXV: Darkness
Overhears the diagnosis, realizes his love for Christine is irrevocable, and offers his mother as a nurse.
Miss Ludolph Commits a Theft
Anxiously inquires about Christine's health and sends her strawberries anonymously.
A Miserable Triumph
Dennis secretly studies painting in the attic, grows thin from overwork, and feels ignored by Christine. He is the only one who can distinguish the original painting from the copy.
Life Without Love
Tormented by his harsh words, he wanders the streets and listens to Christine's music, believing he has lost her regard.
XXIX: Dennis's Love Put to Practical Use
Despondent after criticizing Christine's art, he hears her sing and feels deeper love. He later encourages her artistic potential, but becomes a victim of her manipulation.
The Two Heights
Torn between hope and fear, he begins painting a symbolic two-part picture to convey his love. He is manipulated by Christine, who studies his expressions for her art, and he grows thin and pale from emotional strain and sleepless work.
Beguiled
Perplexed and hopeful, Dennis is increasingly captivated by Christine's attention, though he senses something inexplicable in her manner.
Bitter Disappointment
Returns to work with hope, confides in his mother, and ultimately confronts Christine about her manipulation, leaving her in despair.
The Two Pictures
Faints from exhaustion after leaving Christine; is carried to his room and attended by Dr. Arten and the Bruders.
Regret
Reported to be dying or dead; his condition is the source of Christine's guilt and Mr. Ludolph's concern.
XXXV: Remorse
Though not physically present, he is central to Christine's thoughts—she recalls his honest admiration, his genius, and his pale, reproachful face, believing she caused his death.
An Apparition
Returns to the store after illness, confronts Christine's belief he is dead, and later moves his mother to Chicago.
If He Knew!
Believes Christine is heartless and avoids her, though he still loves her; struggles to forget her.
The Gates Open
Grieves his mother's death, feels betrayed by Christine, and is fired by Mr. Ludolph.
Susie Winthrop Appears Again
Works tirelessly on his prize painting, following a disciplined regimen of health and art; withdraws from society except for worship and mission work; meets Susie Winthrop and confides in her about his love and disappointment.
Suggestive Pictures and a Prize
Submits his diptych painting, wins the prize, and remains outwardly calm despite inner agitation.
XLI: Fire! Fire!
Rushes to save the Bruder family from the fire, wins a prize at the art exhibition, and coldly rebuffs Christine's congratulations.
Baron Ludolph Learns the Truth
Acts as a selfless rescuer during the fire, saving a woman, a child, and Miss Brown; confronts Mr. Ludolph's reckless defiance.
Christine, Awake! For Your Life!
Overcomes paralysis after witnessing Mr. Ludolph's death, fights through the mob, climbs to Christine's balcony, and leads her through the fire.
On the Beach
Rescues Christine and carries her to safety on the beach; remains vigilant and protective, singing hymns and helping others despite the ongoing peril.
XLV: “Prayer Is Mighty”—Christine a Christian
Prays earnestly for Christine, directs her to help a sick German woman, and rejoices at her conversion.
Christine's Grave
Finds Dr. Arten, arranges Christine's rest in a grave, watches over her through the rainy night, leads her northward to Dr. Goodwin's church.
XLVII: Susie Winthrop
Comforts Christine, reveals her father's death, and learns of her unfulfilled attempts to visit his mother.
Doctor Arten Struck by Lightning
Comforts Christine with a Bible story, secures work as a laborer, and maintains respectful distance due to Christine's title and planned departure.
Bill Cronk's Toast
Works all day shoveling bricks, spends his last money on a supper for Christine but gives it to the Bruder children, then brings the orphans to the church.
Every Barrier Burned Away
Supports Christine through her grief, confesses his love, and is accepted.
