and the captain. The people cheered, and then our husbands
had to go to drill for an hour. Oh, I never was so thrilled! It was
grand! They told us we were the true patriots.

_Hoffman:_

Hurrah! And so you are.

_Minna:_

Our names will go down in history, honored by a whole people, they said.

[_They are all carried away by Minna's enthusiasm; even Amelia warms
up._]

_Amelia:_

But whom did you marry, Minna?

_Minna:_

Heinrich Berg.

_Amelia:_ [_Dubious._]

That loafer!

_Minna:_

He's all right. He's a soldier now. Why, he may be a hero, fighting for
the fatherland; and that makes a lot of difference, Amelia.

_Hoffman:_

What did I tell you?

_Minna:_

I probably wouldn't have picked him out in peace-times, but it is
different now. He only asked me last night. Of course he may get killed.
They said we'd have a widow's pension fund,--us and our
children,--forever and ever, if the boys didn't come back. So, you see,
I won't be out anything. Anyway, it's for the country. We'll be famous,
as war brides. Even the name sounds glorious, doesn't it? War bride!
Isn't that fine?

_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