HILDA. Now the war comes and with it a chance to get back; to be
part of the majority; to be welcomed with open arms by those who
have fought you; to go back with honor and praise. And, yes, to
have the warmth and comfort of the crowd. That's the real reason
you're going in. You're tired and worn out with the fight. I
know. I understand now.
WHITE (_earnestly_). If I thought it was that, I'd kill myself.
HILDA. There's been enough killing already. I have to understand
it somehow to accept it at all.
(_He stares at her, wondering at her words. She smiles. He goes to
a chair and sits down, gazing before him. The music of Over There
is now heard outside in the street, approaching nearer and
nearer. It is a military band. WALLACE excitedly rushes in
dressed in khaki._)
WALLACE. Mother, mother. The boys are coming down the street.
(_Sees father._) Dad! Mother has told you?
HILDA (_calmly_). Yes; I've told him.
WALLACE. And you're going to let me go, Dad?
HILDA. Yes.
WALLACE. Oh, thanks, Dad (_grasping his hand_).
I knew mother would make you see. (_Music nearer._) Listen! Isn't
that a great tune? Lifts you up on your feet and carries you over
there. Gee, it just gets into a fellow and makes him want to run
for his gun and charge over the top. (_He goes to balcony._) Look!
They're nearing here; all ready to sail with the morning tide.
They've got their helmets on. You can't see the end of them
coming down the avenue. Oh, thank God, I'm going to be one of
them soon. Thank God! I'm going to fight for Uncle Sam and the
Stars and Stripes. (_Calls off_) Hurrah! (_To them_) Oh, I wish I had
a flag. Why haven't we got a flag here?--Hurrah!!
(_As he goes out on the balcony the music plays louder. HILDA has
gone to WHITE during this, and stands behind him, with her arms
down his arms, as he sits there, gazing before him._)
HILDA (_fervently_). Oh, Will, if I could only feel it as he does!!
(_The music begins to trail off as WHITE tenderly takes hold of
her hands._)
[CURTAIN]