_Hoffman:_ Yes, you did. You let me kiss you. _Amelia:_ [_Taken aback._] Oh, sir! _Hoffman:_ 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-- _Amelia:_ I can't. _Hoffman:_ [_Taking hold of her._] 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? _Mother:_ [_Slowly._] I should like to see her wed. _Hoffman:_ There! _Amelia:_ [_Shrinking from both him and the idea._] But I don't know you well enough yet. _Hoffman:_ 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? _Amelia:_ Oh, yes! _Hoffman:_ Well, then, we can get married and get acquainted afterward. _Amelia:_ [_Faintly._] I wanted to be a nurse. _Hoffman:_ 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? _Mother:_ [_Nodding impersonally._] Aye, it is for 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:_