_Mother:_ [_Softly, laying her hand on Hedwig's shoulder._]

Hedwig, be more respectful. Herr Hoffman is a lieutenant.


_Hoffman:_

When we are gone,--the best of us,--what will the country do if it has
no children?


_Hedwig:_

Why didn't you think of that before--before you started this wicked war?


_Hoffman:_

I tell you it is a glory to be a war bride. There!


_Hedwig:_ [_With a shrug._]

A breeding-machine! [_They all draw back._] Why not call it what it is?
Speak the naked truth for once.


_Hoffman:_