HILDA (_smiling and turning towards her son_). And Wallace.
WHITE. And Wallace. Yes. (WALLACE _looks away guiltily._) Let me
know when the phone comes.
(_He goes out hastily. She closes the door after him and then
comes to WALLACE, who has sat down, indicating he is troubled._)
HILDA. They made it hard for you at college?
WALLACE. I don't know how to tell you.
HILDA. I understand. The flag waving, the patriotic speeches, the
billboards advertising the glory of war, the call of adventure
offered to youth, the pressure of your friends--all made it hard
for you to be called a slacker.
WALLACE, No, mother. I wasn't afraid of what they could call me.
That was easy.
HILDA (_proudly_). You are your father's son!
WALLACE. Mother, I can't stand the thought of killing, you know
that. And I couldn't forget all you've told me. That's why I've
had to think this out all these months alone; why I've hesitated
longer than most fellows. The only thing I was really afraid of
was being wrong. But now I know I'm right and I'm going clean
through to the limit.
HILDA. As your father said, I 'll stand by you--whatever it
is--if only you feel it's right.
WALLACE. Will you? Will you, mother? No matter what happens? (_She
nods._) I knew you would. (_Taking her hand_) Then, mother, listen.
I've volunteered.
HILDA (_shocked_). Volunteered!
WALLACE. Yes. I leave for training-camp to-night.
HILDA. To-night?
WALLACE. Yes, mother. Once I made up my mind, I couldn't wait to
be drafted. I wanted to offer myself. I didn't want to be made to
go.
HILDA (_hardly grasping it_). But you are too young.
WALLACE. I lied about my age. You and father can stop me if you
tell the truth. That's why I've come back. I want you to promise
you won't tell.
HILDA. _You_ ask me to aid you in what I don't believe?
WALLACE. But you said you'd stick by me if _I_ thought it
was right.