War Brides: A Play in One Act | Page 3

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:
[Still in the doorway, looking out.]
War brides!
Minna: [Pertly.]
You're a war bride yourself, Hedwig.
Hedwig: [Turns quickly, locates Minna, almost springs at her.]
Don't you dare to call me a war bride! My ring is gold. See. [_Seizes Minna's hand, and then throws it from her._] Not iron, like yours.
Minna:
[Boldly taunting.]
They even call you the first war bride.
Hedwig: [Furious, towering over her, her hand on her shoulder.]
Say why, why?
Minna: [Weakening.]
Because you were the first one to be married when the war broke out.
Hedwig: [Both hands on her shoulders.]
Because the Government commanded? Because they bribed me with the promise of a widow's pension? Tell the truth.
Minna: [Faintly.]
No. Let me go.
Hedwig:
So! And how long had Franz and I been engaged? Now say.
Minna: [Beginning to be frightened.]
Two years.
Hedwig: [Flinging her off.]
Of course. Everybody knows it. Every village this side the river knew we were to be married this summer. We've dreamed and worked for nothing else all these months. It had nothing to do with the war--our love, our marriage. So, you see, I am no war bride. [Walks scornfully away.] Not like you, anyway.
[They all stare at her.]
Hoffman: [Stepping forward indignantly.]
I don't know why you should have this contempt for our war brides, and speak like that.
Hedwig: [_Sits down, half turned away. She shrugs her shoulders, and her lips curl in a little smile._]
Hoffman:
They are coming to the rescue of their country. Saving it; else it will perish.
Hedwig: [Bitterly.]
Ha!
Hoffman: [Waxing warmer.]
They are the saviors of the future.
Hedwig: [Sadly.]
The future!
Mother: [Softly, laying her hand on Hedwig's shoulder.]
Hedwig,