Because the Government commanded? Because they bribed me with the
promise of a widow's pension? Tell the truth.


_Minna:_ [_Faintly._]

No. Let me go.


_Hedwig:_

So! And how long had Franz and I been engaged? Now say.


_Minna:_ [_Beginning to be frightened._]

Two years.


_Hedwig:_ [_Flinging her off._]

Of course. Everybody knows it. Every village this side the river knew we
were to be married this summer. We've dreamed and worked for nothing
else all these months. It had nothing to do with the war--our love, our
marriage. So, you see, I am no war bride. [_Walks scornfully away._] Not
like you, anyway.

[_They all stare at her._]