War Brides: A Play in One Act | Page 3

girl for me--the prettiest bride of the lot. But to-morrow--
Amelia:
I can't.

Hoffman: [Taking hold of her.]
Oh, yes, you can. I won't bother you long. I'm off to the front any day
now. Come, promise me! What do you say, Mother?
Mother: [Slowly.]
I should like to see her wed.
Hoffman:
There!
Amelia: [Shrinking from both him and the idea.]
But I don't know you well enough yet.
Hoffman:
Well, look me over. Don't you think I am good enough for her, Mother?
Besides, we can't stop to think of such things now, Amelia. It is
war-time. This is an emergency measure. And, then, I'm a soldier--like
to die for my country. That ought to count for something--a good deal,
I should say--if you love your country, and you do, don't you, Amelia?
Amelia:
Oh, yes!
Hoffman:
Well, then, we can get married and get acquainted afterward.
Amelia: [Faintly.]
I wanted to be a nurse.
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:

That's what I am. [Whirling gaily about.]
Hoffman: [Shaking her hand.]
Good for you! Congratulations!
Minna:
Didn't you hear them cheer? That was for me!
Hoffman:
There's patriotism for you, Amelia!
Amelia:
When were you married, Minna?
Minna:
Just now. There were ten of us. We all answered in chorus. It was
fun--just like a theater. Then the priest made a speech, and the
burgomaster 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 proudly. Strong, intelligent features,
but pale. Her eyes are large with anxiety. She has soft, wavy black hair.
An inward flame seems to be consuming her.
The sounds continue in the distance, cheering, disputing mingled with
far bugle-calls and marching feet._]
Hedwig: [Contemptuously.]

Ha!
[The sound startles the others. They turn.]
All:
Hedwig!
Hedwig: