_Hedwig:_
Then I must be very wicked.
_Mother:_
Are you sleeping better now, child?
_Hedwig:_
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.
[_Buries her face on the mother's knees and sobs._]
_Mother:_
Hush, Hedwig! Be brave! Take care of yourself! We must see that Franz's
child is well born.
_Hedwig:_
If Franz returns, yes; if not--I--
[_Gets up impulsively, as if to run out of the house._]
_Amelia:_
Don't you want your tea, Hedwig?
[_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._]
_Hertz:_ [_Stopping Hedwig._]
Wait one moment. You are the young woman I wish to see. You don't get
away from me like that.
_Hedwig:_ [_Drawing herself up, moves back a step or two._]
What is it?
_Hertz:_ [_Turning to the old mother._]
Well, Maria, another son must go--Arno. You are an honored woman, a
noble example to the state.
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