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?

AMELIA: Franz, too.]

[_Hedwig lies prostrate on the floor. Their grief is very silent;
terrible because it is so dumb and stoical. The Mother is the first to
rouse herself. She bends over Hedwig._]

_Mother:_

Hedwig. [_Hedwig sobs convulsively._] Don't, child. Be careful for the
little one's sake. [_Hedwig sits up._] For your child be quiet, be
brave.

_Hedwig:_

I loved him so, Mother!

_Mother:_

Yes, he was my boy--my first-born.

_Hedwig:_

Your first-born, and this is the end.

[_She rises up in unutterable wrath and despair._]

O God!

_Mother:_ [_Anxious for her._]

Promise me you will be careful, Hedwig. For the sake of your child,
_your_ first-born, that is to be--

_Hedwig:_

_My child_? For this end? For the empire--the war that is to be? No!

_Mother:_ [_Half to herself._]

He may look like Franz.

[_Hedwig quickly seizes the pistol from the mantel-shelf and moves to
the bedroom door._

_Amelia, watching her, sees her do it, and cries out in alarm and
rushes to take it from her._]

_Amelia:_ [_In horror._]

Hedwig! What are you doing?