ittle brother.

_Amelia:_

I may come to the front, too.

[_They embrace tenderly._]

_Mother:_ [_Strong and quiet, unable to speak, holds his head against
her breast for a moment._]

Fight well, my son.

_Arno:_

Yes, Mother.

[_He tears himself away. The silent suffering of the mother is pitiful.
Her hands are crossed on her breast, her lips are seen to move in
prayer. It is Hedwig who takes her in her arms and comforts her._]

_Hedwig:_

And this is war--to tear our hearts out like this! Make mother some tea,
Amelia, can't you?

[_Amelia prepares the cup of tea for her mother._]

_Mother:_ [_After a few moments composes herself._]

There, I am right now. I must remember--and you must help me, my
daughters--it is for the fatherland.

_Hedwig:_ [_On her knees by the fire, shakes her head slowly._]

I wonder, I wonder. O Mother, I'm not patient like you. I couldn't stand
it. To have a darling little baby and see him grow into a man, and then
lose him like this! I'd rather never see the face of my child.

_Mother:_

We have them for a little while. I am thankful to God for what I have
had.

_Hedwig:_

Then I must be very wicked.

_Mother:_

Are you sleeping better now, child?

_Hedwig:_

No; I am thinking of Franz. He may be lying there alone on the
battle-field, with none to help, and I here longing to put my arms
around him.

[_Buries her face on the mother's knees and sobs._]

_Mother:_

Hush, Hedwig! Be brave! Take care of yourself! We must see that Franz's
child is well born.

_Hedwig:_

If Franz returns, yes; if not--I--

[_Gets up impulsively, as if to run out of the house._]

_Amelia:_

Don't you want your tea, Hedwig?

[_Hedwig throws open the door, and suddenly confronts a man who
apparently was about to enter the house. He is an official, the military
head of the town, known as Captain Hertz. He is well along in years,
rheumatic, but tremendously self-important._]

_Hertz:_ [_Stopping Hedwig._]

Wait one moment. You are the young woman I wish to see. You don't get
away from me like that.

_Hedwig:_ [_Drawing herself up, moves back a step or two._]

What is it?

_Hertz:_ [_Turning to the old mother._]

Well, Maria, another son must go--Arno. You are an honored woman, a
noble example to the state. [_Turns to Amelia._] You have lost a very
good husband, I understand. Well, you are a foolish girl. As for you
[_Turning to Hed