One never knows in war times what to expect. I sometimes feel I am in a foreign country. (WHITE _goes slowly to the door in back and opens it_. WALLACE, _their son, with valise in hand, is standing there, as though he had hesitated to enter_. _He is a fine clean-cut young fellow, with his father’s physical endowment and his mother’s spiritual intensity. The essential note he strikes is that of honesty. It is apparent he is under the pressure of a momentous decision which has brought him unexpectedly home from college._) WHITE Wallace! WALLACE (_Shaking hands_) Hello! Dad. HILDA Wallace! My boy! (WALLACE _drops valise and goes to his mother’s arms_.) WALLACE (_With deep feeling_) Mother! WHITE (_After a pause_) Well, boy; this is unexpected. We were just talking of you. WALLACE Were you? HILDA I’m so glad to see you, so glad. WALLACE Yes ... yes ... but.... WHITE There’s nothing the matter? HILDA You’ve had trouble at college? WALLACE Not exactly. But I couldn’t stand it there. I’ve left--for good. WHITE I was sure that would happen. HILDA Tell us. You know we’ll understand. WALLACE Dad, if you don’t mind, I’d like to talk it over with mother first. WHITE Of course, old fellow, that’s right. She’ll stand by you just as she’s always stood by me--all these years. (_He kisses her._) I ... I.... (_He smooths her hair gently, looking into her eyes as she smiles up at him._) We mustn’t let this war hurt all we’ve had together--you and I---- HILDA (_Smiling and turning towards her son_) And Wallace. WHITE And Wallace. Yes. (WALLACE _looks away guiltily_.) Let me know when the phone comes. (_He goes out hastily. She closes the door after him and then comes to_ WALLACE, _who has sat down, indicating he is troubled_.) HILDA They made it hard for you at college? WALLACE I don’t know how to tell you. HILDA I understand. The flag waving, the patriotic speeches, the billboards advertising the glory of war, the call of adventure offered to youth, the pressure of your friends--all made it hard for you to be called a slacker. WALLACE No, mother. I wasn’t afraid of what they could call me. That was easy. HILDA (_Proudly_) You are your father’s son! WALLACE Mother, I can’t stand the thought of killing, you know that. And I couldn’t forget all you’ve told me. That’s why I’ve had to think this out all these months alone; why I’ve hesitated longer than most fellows. The only thing I was really afraid of was being wrong. But now I know I’m right and I’m going clean through to the limit. HILDA As your father said I’ll stand by you--whatever it is--if only you feel it’s right. WALLACE Will you? Will you, mother? No matter what happens? (_She nods._) I knew you would. (_Taking her hand._) Then mother, listen. I’ve volunteered. HILDA (_Shocked_) Volunteered! WALLACE Yes. I leave for training-camp to-night. HILDA To-night? WALLACE