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diff --git a/old/14602-h/14602-h.htm b/old/14602-h/14602-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f0a7a82 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/14602-h/14602-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2357 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of War Brides, by Marion Craig Wentworth. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6,table { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + + .table { text-align='center'} + + .topspc {padding-top: 1em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's War Brides: A Play in One Act, by Marion Craig Wentworth + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: War Brides: A Play in One Act + +Author: Marion Craig Wentworth + +Release Date: January 5, 2005 [EBook #14602] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR BRIDES: A PLAY IN ONE ACT *** + + + + +Produced by David Garcia, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="center"> +<a name='image-01' id='image-01'></a> +<img src="images/image-01.jpg" +alt="Good-by! good-by!" +title="Good-by! good-by!" /> +<h4><b>Good-by! good-by!</b></h4> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h1>WAR BRIDES</h1> +<h2><i>A Play in One Act</i></h2> +<h3>BY</h3> +<h2>MARION CRAIG WENTWORTH</h2> +<h3>ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE</h3> +<h3>PLAY AS PRESENTED BY MME. NAZIMOVA</h3> +<h4>NEW YORK</h4> +<h4>THE CENTURY CO.</h4> +<h4>1915</h4> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h5>Copyright, 1915, by<br /></h5> +<h5>THE CENTURY CO.<br /></h5> +<h5>Acting rights controlled by<br /></h5> +<h5>DRAMATISTS' PLAY AGENCY,<br /></h5> +<h5>145 West 45th Street,<br /></h5> +<h5>NEW YORK CITY<br /></h5> +<h5><i>Published, February 1915</i><br /></h5> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<h3>TO<br /> +MY LITTLE BOY<br /> +BRANDON<br /></h3> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<div class="center"> +<table border="1"><tr><td> + +<h4>This play was first produced<br/> +on January 25, 1915, at</h4> +<h3>B.F. KEITH'S PALACE THEATRE,</h3> +<h4>NEW YORK CITY, <br/> +with the following cast:</h4> + +<table cellpadding="3"> +<tr><td align="left">Hedwig (Joan)</td><td align="right">Mme. Nazimova</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Amelia (Amy)</td><td align="right">Mary Alden</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Mother</td><td align="right">Gertrude Berkeley</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Hoffman (Joseph Kerman)</td><td align="right">Charles Bryant</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Minna</td><td align="right">Edith Speare</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Arno</td><td align="right">C. Brown</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Hertz (Captain Bragg)</td><td align="right">William Hasson</td></tr> + +<tr> +<td colspan="2" align="center">Peasants, Women and Soldiers.</td> +</tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"> </td></tr> + +<tr> +<td colspan="2" align="center">Time--Present. Place--A War-Ridden Country.</td> +</tr> + +<tr><td colspan="2" align="center"> </td></tr> + +<tr> +<td colspan="2" align="center">Personal Manager for Madame Nazimova<br/> +William F. Muenster</td> +</tr> +</table> + +</td></tr></table> +</div> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + +<p> +<a href="#image-01">Good-by! good-by!</a><br /> +<a href="#image-02">Arno: You are wanted.</a><br /> +<a href="#image-03">Hedwig: Franz? Amelia: Franz, too.</a><br /> +<a href="#image-04">Amelia: No, you must not! You have too much to live for.</a><br /> +</p> + + + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>WAR BRIDES</h2> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>The war brides were cheered with enthusiasm and the churches were + crowded when the wedding parties spoke the ceremony in + concert.—PRESS CLIPPING.</p></div> + + +<p>SCENE: <i>A room in a peasant's cottage in a war-ridden country. A large +fireplace at the right. Near it a high-backed settle. On the left a +heavy oak table and benches. Woven mats on the floor. A door at left +leads into a bedroom. In the corner a cupboard. At the back a wide +window with scarlet geraniums and an open door. A few firearms are +stacked near the fireplace. There is an air of homely color and neatness +about the room.</i></p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Through the open door may be seen women stacking grain. Others go by +carrying huge baskets of grapes or loads of wood, and gradually it +penetrates the mind that all these workers are women, aristocrats and +peasants side by side. Now and then a bugle blows or a drum beats in the +distance. A squad of soldiers marches quickly by. There is everywhere +the tense atmosphere of unusual circumstance, the anxiety and excitement +of war.</i></p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia, a slight, flaxen-haired girl of nineteen, comes in. She brushes +off the hay with which she is covered, and goes to packing a bag with a +secret, but determined, air. The Mother passes the window and appears in +the doorway. She is old and work-worn, but sturdy and stoical. Now she +carries a heavy load of wood, and is weary. She casts a sharp eye at +Amelia.</i></p> + + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>What are you doing, girl? [<i>Amelia starts and puts the bag in the +cupboard.</i>] Who's going away? They haven't sent for Arno?</p> + + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>No.</p> + + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Sighs, and drops her load on the hearth.</i>]</p> + +<p>Is the hay all in?</p> + + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Yes. I put in the last load. All the big work on our place is done, and +so—[<i>Looks at her mother and hesitates. Her mother begins to chop the +wood into kindling.</i>] I'll do that, Mother.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Let be, girl. It keeps me from worrying. Get a bite to eat. What were +you doing with that bag? Who were you packing it for?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>With downcast eyes.</i>]</p> + +<p>Myself.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Anxious.</i>]</p> + +<p>What for?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Sit down, Mother, and be still while I tell you—</p> + +<p>[<i>Pushes her mother into a chair.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Starts.</i>]</p> + +<p>Is there any news? Quick! Tell me!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Not since yesterday. Only they say Franz is at the front. We don't know +where Emil and Otto are, and there's been a battle; but—</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Murmurs, with closed eyes.</i>]</p> + +<p>My boys! my boys!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Don't, Mother! They may come back. [<i>A cheer is heard.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Starting.</i>]</p> + +<p>What's that?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Running to the door and looking out.</i>]</p> + +<p>They are cheering the war brides, that's all.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Aye. There's been another wedding ceremony.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Yes.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>How many war brides to-day?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Ten, they said.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Nodding.</i>]</p> + +<p>Aye, that is good. Has any one asked you, Amelia? [<i>Amelia looks +embarrassed.</i>] Some one should ask you. You are a good-looking girl.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>In a low voice.</i>]</p> + +<p>Hans Hoffman asked me last night.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>The young and handsome lieutenant? You are lucky. You said yes?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Shakes her head.</i>]</p> + +<p>No.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Ah, well.</p> + + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>I hardly know him. I've only spoken to him once before. O Mother—that +isn't what I want to do.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>What did you tell him?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Timidly.</i>]</p> + +<p>That I was going away to join the Red Cross.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Amelia!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>He didn't believe me. He kissed me—and I ran away.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>The Red Cross!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Eagerly.</i>]</p> + +<p>Yes; that is what I was going to tell you just now. That is why I was +packing the bag. [<i>Gets it.</i>] I—I want to go. I want to go to-night. I +can't stand this waiting.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>You leave me, too?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>I want to go to the front with Franz and Otto and Emil, to nurse them, +to take care of them if they are wounded—and all the others. Let me, +Mother! I, too, must do something for my country. The grapes are +plucked, and the hay is stacked. Hedwig is gathering the wheat. You can +spare me. I have been dreaming of it night and day.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Setting her lips decisively.</i>]</p> + +<p>No, Amelia!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>O Mother, why?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>You must help me with Hedwig. I can't manage her alone.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Hedwig!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>She is strange; she broods. Hadn't you noticed?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Why, yes; but I thought she was worrying about Franz. She adores him, +and any day she may hear that he is killed. It's the waiting that's so +awful.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>But it's more than the waiting with Hedwig. Aye, you will help Franz +more by staying home to take care of his wife, Amelia, especially now.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Puzzled.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Now?</i></p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Goes to her work-basket.</i>]</p> + +<p>Hedwig has told you nothing?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>No.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Ah, she is a strange girl! She asked me to keep it a secret,—I don't +know why,—but now I think you should know. See! [<i>Very proudly she +holds up the tiny baby garments she is knitting.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Pleased and astonished.</i>]</p> + +<p>So Franz and Hedwig—</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Nods.</i>]</p> + +<p>For their child. In six months now. My first grandchild, Amelia. Franz's +boy, perhaps. I shall hear a little one's voice in this house again.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Uncertainly, as she looks at the little things.</i>]</p> + +<p>Still—I want to go.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother</i>: [<i>Firmly.</i>]</p> + +<p>We must take care of Hedwig, Amelia. She is to be a mother. That is our +first duty. It is our only hope of an heir if you won't marry soon—and +if—if the boys don't come back.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Arno is left.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Ah, but they'll be calling him next. It is his birthday to-day, too, +poor lad. He's on the jump to be off. I see him gone, too. God knows I +may never see one of them again. I sit here in the long evenings and +think how death may take my boys,—even this minute they may be +breathing their last,—and then I knit this baby sock and think of the +precious little life that's coming. It's my one comfort, Amelia. Nothing +must happen now.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>With a touch of impatience.</i>]</p> + +<p>What's the matter with Hedwig?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>I don't know what it is. She acts as if she didn't want to bring her +child into the world. She talks wild. I tell you I must have that child, +Amelia! I cannot live else. Hedwig frightens me. The other night I found +her sitting on the edge of her bed staring,—when she should have been +asleep,—as if she saw visions, and whispering, "I will send a message +to the emperor." What message? I had to shake her out of it. She refuses +to make a thing for her baby. Says, "Wait till I see what they do to +Franz." It's unnatural.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>I can't understand her. I never could. I always thought it was because +she was a factory-town girl.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>If anything should happen to Franz in the state she's in now, Hedwig +might go out of her mind entirely. So you had best stay by, Amelia. We +must keep a close eye on her.</p> + +<p>[<i>There is a knock at the door.</i>]</p> + +<p>Who's that?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Looks out of the windows, and then whispers.</i>]</p> + +<p>It's Hans Hoffman.</p> + +<p>[<i>The knock is repeated.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Open, girl! Don't stand there!</p> + +<p>[<i>Enter Hoffman, gay, familiar, inclined to stoutness, but +good-looking. Accustomed to having the women bow down to him.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>[<i>To Amelia.</i>] Ah, ha! You gave me the slip yesterday!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>My mother.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Nodding.</i>]</p> + +<p>Good day, Mother. [<i>She curtsies.</i>]</p> + +<p>[<i>Coming closer to Amelia.</i>]</p> + +<p>Where did you run to? Here she as good as promised me she would wed me +to-day, Mother, and then—</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Oh, no!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Yes, you did. You let me kiss you.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Taken aback.</i>]</p> + +<p>Oh, sir!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>And when I got to the church square to-day, no bride for Hans Hoffman. +Well, I must say, they had the laugh on me; for I had told them I had +found the girl for me—the prettiest bride of the lot. But to-morrow—</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>I can't.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Taking hold of her.</i>]</p> + +<p>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?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Slowly.</i>]</p> + +<p>I should like to see her wed.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>There!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Shrinking from both him and the idea.</i>]</p> + +<p>But I don't know you well enough yet.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>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?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Oh, yes!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Well, then, we can get married and get acquainted afterward.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Faintly.</i>]</p> + +<p>I wanted to be a nurse.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>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?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Nodding impersonally.</i>]</p> + +<p>Aye, it is for the fatherland they ask it.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>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!</p> + +<p>[<i>A hubbub of voices and a cheer are heard outside side. Enter Minna, +flushed, pretty, light headed.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Minna!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Holding out her hand.</i>]</p> + +<p>Amelia, see! My wedding-ring!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Iron!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Triumphantly.</i>]</p> + +<p>Yes; a war bride!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>You?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>That's what I am. [<i>Whirling gaily about.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Shaking her hand.</i>]</p> + +<p>Good for you! Congratulations!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>Didn't you hear them cheer? That was for me!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>There's patriotism for you, Amelia!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>When were you married, Minna?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>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.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Hurrah! And so you are.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>Our names will go down in history, honored by a whole people, they said.</p> + +<p>[<i>They are all carried away by Minna's enthusiasm; even Amelia warms +up.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>But whom did you marry, Minna?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>Heinrich Berg.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Dubious.</i>]</p> + +<p>That loafer!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>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.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>What did I tell you?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>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?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Here's a little lady who will hear herself called that to-morrow. +[<i>Takes Amelia's hand.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Clapping her hands.</i>]</p> + +<p>Amelia a war bride, too! Good!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>You'll be proud to hear her called that, won't you, Mother? Give us your +blessing.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>I'd rather be a wife or a widow any day than be an old maid; and to be a +war bride—oh!</p> + +<p>[<i>Amelia is blushing and tremulous.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>With a far-away look.</i>]</p> + +<p>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.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>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.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Kissing Amelia on both cheeks.</i>]</p> + +<p>There, it's all settled. [<i>A faint cheer is heard without.</i>] To-morrow +they will cheer you like that; and when I go, I shall have a bride to +wave me good-by instead of—</p> + +<p>[<i>Enter Hedwig.</i></p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>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.</i></p> + +<p><i>The sounds continue in the distance, cheering, disputing mingled with +far bugle-calls and marching feet.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Contemptuously.</i>]</p> + +<p>Ha!</p> + +<p>[<i>The sound startles the others. They turn.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>All:</i></p> + +<p>Hedwig!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>[<i>Still in the doorway, looking out.</i>]</p> + +<p>War brides!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Pertly.</i>]</p> + +<p>You're a war bride yourself, Hedwig.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Turns quickly, locates Minna, almost springs at her.</i>]</p> + +<p>Don't you dare to call me a war bride! My ring is gold. See. [<i>Seizes +Minna's hand, and then throws it from her.</i>] Not iron, like yours.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>[<i>Boldly taunting.</i>]</p> + +<p>They even call you the first war bride.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Furious, towering over her, her hand on her shoulder.</i>]</p> + +<p>Say why, why?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Weakening.</i>]</p> + +<p>Because you were the first one to be married when the war broke out.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Both hands on her shoulders.</i>]</p> + +<p>Because the Government commanded? Because they bribed me with the +promise of a widow's pension? Tell the truth.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Faintly.</i>]</p> + +<p>No. Let me go.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>So! And how long had Franz and I been engaged? Now say.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Beginning to be frightened.</i>]</p> + +<p>Two years.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Flinging her off.</i>]</p> + +<p>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. [<i>Walks scornfully away.</i>] Not +like you, anyway.</p> + +<p>[<i>They all stare at her.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Stepping forward indignantly.</i>]</p> + +<p>I don't know why you should have this contempt for our war brides, and +speak like that.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Sits down, half turned away. She shrugs her shoulders, and +her lips curl in a little smile.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>They are coming to the rescue of their country. Saving it; else it will +perish.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Bitterly.</i>]</p> + +<p>Ha!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Waxing warmer.</i>]</p> + +<p>They are the saviors of the future.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Sadly.</i>]</p> + +<p>The future!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Softly, laying her hand on Hedwig's shoulder.</i>]</p> + +<p>Hedwig, be more respectful. Herr Hoffman is a lieutenant.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>When we are gone,—the best of us,—what will the country do if it has +no children?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Why didn't you think of that before—before you started this wicked war?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>I tell you it is a glory to be a war bride. There!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>With a shrug.</i>]</p> + +<p>A breeding-machine! [<i>They all draw back.</i>] Why not call it what it is? +Speak the naked truth for once.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>You'll take that back to-morrow, when your sister stands up in the +church with me.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Starting up.</i>]</p> + +<p>Amelia? Marry you? No! Amelia, is this true?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Hesitating, troubled, and uncertain.</i>]</p> + +<p>They tell me I must—for the fatherland.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Marry this man, whom you scarcely know, whom surely you cannot love! +Why, you make a mock of marriage! It isn't that they have tempted you +with the widow's pension? It is so tiny; it's next to nothing. Surely +you wouldn't yield to that?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Frightened.</i>]</p> + +<p>I did want to go as a nurse, but the priests and the generals—they say +we must marry—to—for the fatherland, Hedwig.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>To Hedwig.</i>]</p> + +<p>I command you to be silent!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Not when my sister's happiness is at stake. If you come back, she will +have to live with you the rest of her life.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>That isn't the question now. We are going away—the best of us—to be +shot, most likely. Don't you suppose we want to send some part of +ourselves into the future, since we can't live ourselves? There, that's +straight; and right, too.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Nodding slowly.</i>]</p> + +<p>What I said—to breed a soldier for the empire; to restock the land. +[<i>Fiercely.</i>] And for what? For food for the next generation's cannon. +Oh, it is an insult to our womanhood! You violate all that makes +marriage sacred! [<i>Agitated, she walks about the room.</i>] Are we women +never to get up out of the dust? You never asked us if we wanted this +war, yet you ask us to gather in the crops, cut the wood, keep the world +going, drudge and slave, and wait, and agonize, lose our all, and go on +bearing more men—and more—to be shot down! If we breed the men for +you, why don't you let us say what is to become of them? Do we want them +shot—the very breath of our life?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>It is for the fatherland.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>You use us, and use us—dolls, beasts of burden, and you expect us to +bear it forever dumbly; but I won't! I shall cry out till I die. And now +you say it almost out loud, "Go and breed for the empire." War brides! +Pah! [<i>Minna gasps, beginning to be terrified. Hoffman rages. Mother +gazes with anxious concern. Amelia turns pale.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>I never would dream of speaking of Amelia like that. She is the sweetest +girl I have seen for many a day.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>What will happen to Amelia? Have you thought of that? No; I warrant you +haven't. Well, look. A few kisses and sweet words, the excitement of +the ceremony, the cheers of the crowd, some days of living together,—I +won't call it marriage, for Franz and I are the ones who know what real +marriage is, and how sacred it is,—then what? Before you know it, an +order to march. Amelia left to wait for her child. No husband to wait +with her, to watch over her. Think of her anxiety, if she learns to love +you! What kind of child will it be? Look at me. What kind of child would +<i>I</i> have, do you think? I can hardly breathe for thinking of my Franz, +waiting, never knowing from minute to minute. From the way I feel, I +should think my child would be born mad, I'm that wild with worrying. +And then for Amelia to go through the agony alone! No husband to help +her through the terrible hour. What solace can the state give then? And +after that, if you don't come back, who is going to earn the bread for +her child? Struggle and struggle to feed herself and her child; and the +fine-sounding name you trick us with—war bride! Humph! that will all be +forgotten then. Only one thing can make it worth while, and do you know +what that is? Love. We'll struggle through fire and water for that; but +without it—[<i>Gesture.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Drawing Amelia to him.</i>]</p> + +<p>Don't listen to her, Amelia.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Pushing Hoffman violently from her, runs from the room.</i>]</p> + +<p>No, no, I can't marry you! I won't! I won't!</p> + +<p>[<i>She shuts the door in his face.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Triumphantly.</i>]</p> + +<p>She will never be your war bride, Hans Hoffman!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Suddenly, angrily.</i>]</p> + +<p>By thunder! I've made a discovery. You're the woman! You're the woman!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>What woman?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Yesterday there were twenty war brides. The day before there were nearly +thirty. To-day there were only ten. There are rumors—[<i>Excitedly.</i>] +I'll report you. They'll find you guilty. I myself can prove it.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Well?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>I heard them say at the barracks that some one was talking the women out +of marrying. They didn't know who; but they said if they caught +her—caught any one talking as you have just now, daring to question the +wisdom of the emperor and his generals, the church, too,—she'd be +guilty of treason. You are working against the emperor, against the +fatherland. Here you have done it right before my very eyes; you have +taken Amelia right out of my arms. You're the woman who's been upsetting +the others, and don't you deny it.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Deny it? I am proud of it.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Then the place for you is in jail. Do you know what will be the end of +you?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Suddenly far away.</i>]</p> + +<p>Yes, I know, if Franz does not come back. I know; but first [<i>Clenching +her hands</i>] I must get my message to the emperor.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i> [<i>Very angry.</i>]</p> + +<p>You will be shot for treason.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Coming back, laughing slightly.</i>]</p> + +<p>Shot? Oh, no, Herr Hans, you'd never shoot me!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Why not?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Do I have to tell you, stupid? I am a woman: I can get in the crops; I +can keep the country going while you are away fighting, and, most +important, I might give you a soldier for your next army—for the +kingdom. Don't you see my value? [<i>Laughs strangely.</i>] Oh, no, you'd +never shoot me!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>There, there, don't excite her, sir.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Her head in her hands, on the table.</i>]</p> + +<p>God! I wish you would shoot me! If you don't give me back my Franz! I've +no mind to bring a son into the world for this bloody thing you call +war.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>I am going straight to headquarters to report you.</p> + +<p>[<i>Starts to go.</i></p> + +<p><i>Enter Arno excitedly. He is boyish and fair, in his early twenties, and +looks even younger than he really is.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i> [<i>To Hoffman.</i>]</p> + +<p>There's an order to march at once—your regiment.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>Now?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>At once. You are wanted. They told me to tell you.</p> + +<div class="center"> +<a name='image-02' id='image-02'></a> +<img src="images/image-02.jpg" +alt="ARNO: You are wanted." +title="ARNO: You are wanted." /> +<h4>ARNO: You are wanted.</h4> +</div> + + +<p>[<i>Hoffman moves with military precision to the door; then turns to +Hedwig.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hoffman:</i></p> + +<p>I shall take the time to report you.</p> + +<p>[<i>Goes.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>To Arno.</i>]</p> + +<p>Does Heinrich's regiment go, too?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>Heinrich who?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i></p> + +<p>Heinrich Berg.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>No. To-morrow.</p> + +<p>[<i>Minna, now thoroughly scared, is slinking to the door when Hedwig +stops her.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Ha! little Minna, why do you run so fast? Heinrich does not go until +to-morrow. [<i>Looks at her thoughtfully.</i>] Are you going to be able to +fight it through, little Minna, when the hard days come? If you do give +the empire a soldier, will it be any comfort to know you are helping the +falling birth-rate?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Minna:</i> [<i>Shivering.</i>]</p> + +<p>Oh, I am afraid of you!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Afraid of the truth, you mean. You see it at last in all its brutal +bareness. Poor little Minna! [<i>She puts her arm around Minna with +sudden tenderness.</i>] But you need not be afraid of me, little Minna. Oh, +no. The trouble with me is I want no more war. Franz is at the war. I'm +half mad with dreaming they have killed him. Any moment I may hear. If +you loved your man as I do mine, little Minna, you'd understand.' Well, +go now, and to-morrow say good-by to your husband—of a day.</p> + +<p>[<i>Minna, with a frightened backward glance, runs out the door.</i></p> + +<p><i>Arno, who has been talking in low tones to his mother, now rises.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>Well, Mother, I haven't much time.</p> + +<p>[<i>She clings to his hand.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Starting.</i>]</p> + +<p>Arno!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>I am going, too. Get those little things for me, Mother, will you?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Goes to door and calls.</i>]</p> + +<p>Amelia! Come. Arno has been called. [<i>Amelia comes in. Each in turn +embraces him, sadly, but bravely. Then the mother and sister gather +together handkerchiefs, linen, writing-pad and pencil, and small +necessaries.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>I have only a few minutes.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Tenderly.</i>]</p> + +<p>Arno, my little brother, oh, why—why must you go? You seem so young.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>I'm a man, like the others; don't forget that, Hedwig. Be brave—to +help me to be brave.</p> + +<p>[<i>They sit on the settle.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Sighing.</i>]</p> + +<p>Yes, it cannot be helped. Will you see my Franz, Arno? You look so like +him to-day—the day I first saw him in the fields, the day of the +factory picnic. It seems long ago. Tell him how happy he made me, and +how I loved him. He didn't believe in this war no more than I, yet he +had to go. He dreaded lest he meet his friends on the other side. You +remember those two young men from across the border? They worked all one +winter side by side in the factory with Franz. They went home to join +their regiments when the war was let loose on us. He never could stand +it, Franz couldn't, if he were ordered to drive his bayonet into them. +[<i>Gets up, full of emotion that is past expression.</i>] Oh, it is too +monstrous! And for what—for what?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>It is our duty. We belong to the fatherland. I would willingly give my +life for my country.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>I would willingly give mine for peace.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>I must go. Good-by, Hedwig.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Controlling her emotion as she kisses him.</i>]</p> + +<p>Good-by, my brave, splendid little brother.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>I may come to the front, too.</p> + +<p>[<i>They embrace tenderly.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Strong and quiet, unable to speak, holds his head against +her breast for a moment.</i>]</p> + +<p>Fight well, my son.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Arno:</i></p> + +<p>Yes, Mother.</p> + +<p>[<i>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.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>And this is war—to tear our hearts out like this! Make mother some tea, +Amelia, can't you?</p> + +<p>[<i>Amelia prepares the cup of tea for her mother.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>After a few moments composes herself.</i>]</p> + +<p>There, I am right now. I must remember—and you must help me, my +daughters—it is for the fatherland.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>On her knees by the fire, shakes her head slowly.</i>]</p> + +<p>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.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>We have them for a little while. I am thankful to God for what I have +had.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Then I must be very wicked.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Are you sleeping better now, child?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>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.</p> + +<p>[<i>Buries her face on the mother's knees and sobs.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Hush, Hedwig! Be brave! Take care of yourself! We must see that Franz's +child is well born.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>If Franz returns, yes; if not—I—</p> + +<p>[<i>Gets up impulsively, as if to run out of the house.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Don't you want your tea, Hedwig?</p> + +<p>[<i>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.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Stopping Hedwig.</i>]</p> + +<p>Wait one moment. You are the young woman I wish to see. You don't get +away from me like that.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Drawing herself up, moves back a step or two.</i>]</p> + +<p>What is it?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Turning to the old mother.</i>]</p> + +<p>Well, Maria, another son must go—Arno. You are an honored woman, a +noble example to the state. [<i>Turns to Amelia.</i>] You have lost a very +good husband, I understand. Well, you are a foolish girl. As for you +[<i>Turning to Hedwig, and eyeing her critically and severely</i>], I hear +pretty bad things. Yes, you have been talking to the women—telling them +not to marry, not to multiply. In so doing you are working directly +against the Government. It is the express request and command that our +soldiers about to be called to the front and our young women should +marry. You deliberately set yourself in opposition to that command. Are +you aware that that is treason?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Why are they asking this, Herr Captain?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>Our statesmen are wise. They are thinking of the future state. The +nation is fast being depopulated. We must take precautionary measures. +We must have men for the future. I warn you, that to do or say anything +which subverts the plan of the empire for its own welfare, especially at +a time when our national existence is in peril—well, it is treason. +Were it not that you are the daughter-in-law of my old friend +[<i>Indicating the Mother</i>], I should not take the trouble to warn you, +but pack you off to jail at once. Not another word from you, you +understand?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Calmly, even sweetly, but with fire in her eye.</i>]</p> + +<p>If I say I will keep quiet, will you promise me something in return?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>What do you mean? Quiet? Of course you'll keep quiet. Quiet as a +tombstone, if I have anything to say about it.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Calm and tense.</i>]</p> + +<p>I mean what I say. Promise to see to it that if we bear you the men for +your nation, there shall be no more war. See to it that they shall not +go forth to murder and be murdered. That is fair. We will do our +part,—we always have,—will you do yours? Promise.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>I—I—ridiculous! There will always be war.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Then one day we will stop giving you men. Look at mother. Four sons torn +from her in one month, and none of you ever asked her if she wanted +war. You keep us here helpless. We don't want dreadnoughts and armies +and fighting, we women. You tear our husbands, our sons, from us,—you +never ask us to help you find a better way,—and haven't we anything to +say?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>No. War is man's business.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Who gives you the men? We women. We bear and rear and agonize. Well, if +we are fit for that, we are fit to have a voice in the fate of the men +we bear. If we can bring forth the men for the nation, we can sit with +you in your councils and shape the destiny of the nation, and say +whether it is to war or peace we give the sons we bear.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Chuckling.</i>]</p> + +<p>Sit in the councils? That would be a joke. I see. Mother, she's a +little—[<i>Touches his forehead suggestively.</i>] Sit in the councils with +the men and shape the destiny of the nation! Ha! ha!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Laugh, Herr Captain, but the day will come; and then there will be no +more war. No, you will not always keep us here, dumb, silent drudges. We +will find a way.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Turning to the mother.</i>]</p> + +<p>That is what comes of letting Franz go to a factory town, Maria. That is +where he met this girl. Factory towns breed these ideas. [<i>To Hedwig.</i>] +Well, we'll have none of that here. [<i>Authoritatively.</i>] Another word +of this kind of insurrection, another word to the women of your +treason, and you will be locked up and take your just punishment. You +remember I had to look out for you in the beginning when you talked +against this war. You're a firebrand, and you know how we handle the +like of you. [<i>Goes to door, turns to the mother.</i>] I am sorry you have +to have this trouble, Maria, on top of everything else. You don't +deserve it. [<i>To Hedwig.</i>] You have been warned. Look out for yourself.</p> + +<p>[<i>Hedwig is standing rigid, with difficulty repressing the torrent of +her feelings. Drums are heard coming nearer, and singing voices of men.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>At door.</i>]</p> + +<p>They are passing this way.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Wave to Arno. Come, Mother. Ah, how quickly they go!</p> + +<p>[<i>The official steps out of the door. There is quick rhythm of marching +feet as the departing regiment passes not very far from the house.</i>]</p> + +<p>There he is! Wave, Mother. Good-by! good-by!</p> + +<p>[<i>The women stand in the doorway, waving their sad farewells, smiling +bravely. The sounds grow less and less, until there is the usual +silence.</i>]</p> + +<p>In another month, in another week, perhaps, all the men will be gone. We +will be a village of women. Not a man left.</p> + +<p>[<i>She leads the old mother into the house once more.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>In the door.</i>]</p> + +<p>What did you say?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Not a man left, I said.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>You forget. <i>I</i> shall be here.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>You are old. You don't count. They think you are only a woman, Herr +Captain.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Insulted.</i>]</p> + +<p>You—you—</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Oh, don't take it badly, sir. You are honored. Is the name of woman +always to be despised? Look out in those fields. Who cleared them, and +plucked the vineyards clean? You think we are left at home because we +are weak. Ah, no; we are strong. 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. [<i>With a quick change.</i>] If only you +really were a woman, Herr Captain, that you might breed soldiers for the +empire, your glory would be complete.</p> + +<p>[<i>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.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Amelia, go and see. Hedwig, come here.</p> + +<p>[<i>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.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Falling at her mother's knee.</i>]</p> + +<p>Mother!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Scarcely breathing.</i>]</p> + +<p>Which one?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>All of them.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Dazed.</i>]</p> + +<p>All? All my boys?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Emil, Otto—be thankful Arno is left.</p> + +<p>[<i>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.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Whispering.</i>]</p> + +<p>Franz?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Franz, too.</p> + +<div class="center"> +<a name='image-03' id='image-03'></a> +<img src="images/image-03.jpg" +alt="HEDWIG: Franz? AMELIA: Franz, too." +title="HEDWIG: Franz? AMELIA: Franz, too." /> +<h4>HEDWIG: Franz? AMELIA: Franz, too.</h4> +</div> + + +<p>[<i>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.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Hedwig. [<i>Hedwig sobs convulsively.</i>] Don't, child. Be careful for the +little one's sake. [<i>Hedwig sits up.</i>] For your child be quiet, be +brave.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>I loved him so, Mother!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Yes, he was my boy—my first-born.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Your first-born, and this is the end.</p> + +<p>[<i>She rises up in unutterable wrath and despair.</i>]</p> + +<p>O God!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Anxious for her.</i>]</p> + +<p>Promise me you will be careful, Hedwig. For the sake of your child, +<i>your</i> first-born, that is to be—</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>My child</i>? For this end? For the empire—the war that is to be? No!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Half to herself.</i>]</p> + +<p>He may look like Franz.</p> + +<p>[<i>Hedwig quickly seizes the pistol from the mantel-shelf and moves to +the bedroom door.</i></p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia, watching her, sees her do it, and cries out in alarm and +rushes to take it from her.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>In horror.</i>]</p> + +<p>Hedwig! What are you doing? Give it to me! No, you must not! You have +too much to live for.</p> + +<div class="center"> +<a name='image-04' id='image-04'></a> +<img src="images/image-04.jpg" +alt="AMELIA: No, you must not! You have too much to live for." +title="AMELIA: No, you must not! You have too much to live for." /> +<h4>AMELIA: No, you must not! You have too much to live for.</h4> +</div> + + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Dazed.</i>]</p> + +<p>To live for? Me?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i></p> + +<p>Why, yes, you are going to be a mother.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>A mother? Like her? [<i>Looks sadly at the bereaved old mother.</i>] Look at +her! Poor Mother! And they never asked her if she wanted this thing to +be! Oh, no! I shall never take it like that—never! But you are right, +Amelia. I have something to do first.</p> + +<p>[<i>Lets Amelia put the pistol away in the cupboard.</i>] I must send a +message to the emperor. [<i>The others are more alarmed for her in this +mood than in her grief.</i>]</p> + +<p>You said you were going to the front to be a nurse, Amelia. Can you take +this message for me? I might take it myself, perhaps.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Amelia:</i> [<i>Hesitating, not knowing what to say or do.</i>]</p> + +<p>Let me give you some tea, Hedwig.</p> + +<p>[<i>Voices are heard outside, and the sounds of sorrow. Some one near the +house is weeping. A wild look and a fierce resolve light Hedwig's +face.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Rushing from the house.</i>]</p> + +<p>They have taken my Franz!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i></p> + +<p>Get her back! I feared it. Grief has made her mad.</p> + +<p>[<i>Amelia runs out. A clamor of voices outside. Hedwig can be heard +indistinctly speaking to the women. Finally her voice alone is heard, +and in a moment she appears, backing into the doorway, still talking to +the women.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>A tragic light in her face, and hand uplifted.</i>]</p> + +<p>I shall send a message to the emperor. If ten thousand women send one +like it, there will be peace and no more war. Then they will hear our +tears.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>A Voice:</i></p> + +<p>What is the message? Tell us!</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Soon you will know. [<i>Loudly.</i>] But I tell you now, <i>don't bear any more +children</i> until they promise you there will be no more war.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Suddenly appearing. Amelia follows.</i>]</p> + +<p>I heard you. I declare you under arrest. Come with me. You will be shot for treason.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Fearfully, drawing him aside.</i>]</p> + +<p>Don't say that, sir. Wait. Oh, no, you can't do that!</p> + +<p>[<i>She gets out her work-basket, and shows him the baby things she has +been knitting, and glances significantly at Hedwig. A horrid smile comes +into the man's face. Hedwig, snatches the things and crushes them to her +breast as if sacrilege had been committed.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>Is this true? You expect—</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Proudly, scornfully.</i>]</p> + +<p>You will not shoot me if I give you a soldier for your empire and your +armies and your guns, will you, Herr Captain?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>Why—eh, no. Every child counts these times. But we will put you under +lock and key. You are a firebrand. I warned you. Come along.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>You want my child, but still you will not promise me what I asked you. +Well, we shall see.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>Come along.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i></p> + +<p>Give me just a moment. I want to send a message to the emperor. Will you +take it for me, Herr Captain?</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Signing.</i>]</p> + +<p>Humor her.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i></p> + +<p>Well, well, hurry up!</p> + +<p>[<i>Hedwig sits at table and writes a brief note.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Mother:</i> [<i>Whispering.</i>]</p> + +<p>She has lost Franz. She is crazed.</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Rising.</i>]</p> + +<p>There. See that it is placed in the hands of the emperor. [<i>Gives him +the note.</i>] Good-by, Amelia! Never be a war bride, Amelia.</p> + +<p>[<i>Kisses her three times</i>,] Good-by, Mother.</p> + +<p>[<i>Embraces her tenderly.</i>] Thank you for these.</p> + +<p>[<i>She gathers the baby things in her hands, crosses the room, pressing a +little sock to her lips. As she passes the cupboard she deftly seizes +the pistol, and moves into the bedroom. On the threshold she looks over +her shoulder.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hedwig:</i> [<i>Firmly.</i>]</p> + +<p>You may read the message out loud.</p> + +<p>[<i>She disappears into the room, still pressing the little sock to her +lips.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Reading the note.</i>]</p> + +<p>"A Message to the Emperor: I refuse to bear my child until you promise +there shall be no more war."</p> + +<p>[<i>A shot is fired in the bedroom. They rush into the room. The Mother +stands trembling by the table.</i>]</p> + + +<p class="topspc"><i>Hertz:</i> [<i>Awed, coming out of the room with the baby things, which he +places on the table.</i>]</p> + +<p>Dead! Tcha! tcha! she was mad. I will hush it up, Maria.</p> + +<p>[<i>He tears up Hedwig's message to the emperor, and goes out of the +house, shaking his head. Amelia is kneeling in the doorway of the +bedroom, bending over something, and softly crying. The Mother slowly +gathers up the pieces of Hedwig's message and the baby garments, now +dashed with blood, and, sitting on the bench, holds them tight against +her breast, staring straight in front of her, her lips moving +inaudibly. She closes her eyes and rocks to and fro, still muttering and +praying.</i>]</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h4>CURTAIN</h4> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of War Brides: A Play in One Act +by Marion Craig Wentworth + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WAR BRIDES: A PLAY IN ONE ACT *** + +***** This file should be named 14602-h.htm or 14602-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/4/6/0/14602/ + +Produced by David Garcia, Melissa Er-Raqabi and the PG Online +Distributed Proofreading Team + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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