_Hoffman:_
Nonsense! Pretty girls like you should marry. The priests and the
generals have commanded it. It's for the fatherland. Ought she not to
wed me, Mother?
_Mother:_ [_Nodding impersonally._]
Aye, it is for the fatherland they ask it.
_Hoffman:_
Of course. It is your patriotic duty, Amelia. You're funny. All the
young women are tickled at the chance. But you are the one I have picked
out, and I am going to have you. Now, there's a good girl--promise!
[_A hubbub of voices and a cheer are heard outside side. Enter Minna,
flushed, pretty, light headed._]
_Amelia:_
Minna!
_Minna:_ [_Holding out her hand._]
Amelia, see! My wedding-ring!
_Amelia:_
Iron!
_Minna:_ [_Triumphantly._]
Yes; a war bride!
_Amelia:_
You?
_Minna:_