Hoffman:

Here’s a little lady who will hear herself called that to-morrow. [Takes Amelia’s hand.]

Minna: [Clapping her hands.]

Amelia a war bride, too!  Good!

Hoffman:

You’ll be proud to hear her called that, won’t you, Mother?  Give us your blessing.

Minna:

I’d rather be a wife or a widow any day than be an old maid; and to be a war bride—­oh!

[Amelia is blushing and tremulous.]

Mother: [With a far-away look.]

It is for the fatherland, Amelia.  Aye, aye, the masters have said so.  It is the will and judgment of those higher than us.  They are wise.  Our country will need children.  Aye.  Say yes, my daughter.  You will not say no when your country bids you!  It is your emperor, your country, who asks, more than Hans Hoffman.

Amelia: [Impressed, and questions herself to see if her patriotism is strong enough to stand the test, while Hoffman, charmed by Amelia’s gentleness, is moved by more personal feeling.]

Hoffman: [Kissing Amelia on both cheeks.]

There, it’s all settled. [A faint cheer is heard without.] To-morrow they will cheer you like that; and when I go, I shall have a bride to wave me good-by instead of—­

[Enter Hedwig.

She stands in the doorway, looking out on the distant crowds.  She is tall, well built, and carries herself proudly.  Strong, intelligent features, but pale.  Her eyes are large with anxiety.  She has soft, wavy black hair.  An inward flame seems to be consuming her.

The sounds continue in the distance, cheering, disputing mingled with far bugle-calls and marching feet._]

Hedwig: [Contemptuously.]

Ha!

[The sound startles the others.  They turn.]

All:

Hedwig!

Hedwig:

[Still in the doorway, looking out.]

War brides!

Minna: [Pertly.]

You’re a war bride yourself, Hedwig.

Hedwig: [Turns quickly, locates Minna, almost springs at her.]

Don’t you dare to call me a war bride!  My ring is gold.  See. [Seizes
Minna’s hand, and then throws it from her.] Not iron, like yours.

Minna:

[Boldly taunting.]

They even call you the first war bride.

Hedwig: [Furious, towering over her, her hand on her shoulder.]

Say why, why?

Minna: [Weakening.]

Because you were the first one to be married when the war broke out.

Hedwig: [Both hands on her shoulders.]

Because the Government commanded?  Because they bribed me with the promise of a widow’s pension?  Tell the truth.