You see it at last in all its brutal
bareness. Poor little Minna! [_She puts her arm around Minna with
sudden tenderness._] 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.
[_Minna, with a frightened backward glance, runs out the door.
Arno, who has been talking in low tones to his mother, now rises._]
_Arno:_
Well, Mother, I haven't much time.
[_She clings to his hand._]
_Hedwig:_ [_Starting._]
Arno!
_Arno:_
I am going, too. Get those little things for me, Mother, will you?
_Mother:_ [_Goes to door and calls._]
Amelia! Come. Arno has been called. [_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._]
_Arno:_
I have only a few minutes.
_Hedwig:_ [_Tenderly._]
Arno, my little brother, oh, why--why must you go? You seem so young.
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