_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.