no!

_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