_Hedwig:_
Oh, don't take it badly, sir. You are honored. Is the name of woman
always to be despised? Look out in those fields. Who cleared them, and
plucked the vineyards clean? You think we are left at home because we
are weak. Ah, no; we are strong. That is why. Strong to keep the world
going, to keep sacred the greatest things in life--love and home and
work. To remind men of--peace. [_With a quick change._] If only you
really were a woman, Herr Captain, that you might breed soldiers for the
empire, your glory would be complete.
[_The old captain is about to make an angry reply when there is a
commotion outside. The words "News from the front" are distinguished,
growing more distinct. The captain rushes out. The women are paralyzed
with apprehension for a moment._]
_Mother:_
Amelia, go and see. Hedwig, come here.
[_Hedwig crouches on the floor close to the mother, her eyes wide with
dread. In a few moments Amelia returns, dragging her feet, woe in her
face, and unable to deal the blow which must fall on the two women, who
stare at her with blanched faces._]
_Amelia:_ [_Falling at her mother's knee._]
Mother!
_Mother:_ [_Scarcely breathing._]
Which one?
_Amelia:_
All of them.
_Mother:_ [_Dazed._]
All? All my boys?
_Amelia:_
Emil, Otto--be thankful Arno is left.
[_The Mother drops her head back against the chair and silently prays.
Hedwig creeps nearer Amelia and holds her face between her hands,
looking into her eyes._]
_Hedwig:_ [_Whispering._]
Franz?
_Amelia:_
Franz, too.
[Illustration: HEDWIG: Franz?