And father?
Hilda
He will be angry.
Wallace
But you will make him understand?
Hilda
I’ll try. Yet you must be patient with him if he doesn’t understand. Don’t ever forget his long fight against all kinds of Prussianism when you hear him reviled by those who have always hated his radicalism and who, now, under the guise of patriotism, are trying to render him useless for further attacks on them after the war. He’s been persecuted so by them—even back in the days when our press was praising Germany and our distinguished citizens were dining at the Emperor’s table. Don’t forget all this, my boy. These days are hard for him—and me—harder perhaps than for you who go out to die in glory and praise. There are no flags for us, no music that stirs, no applause; but we too suffer in silence for what we believe. And it is only the strongest who can survive.—Now call your father.
Wallace
(Goes to door)
Dad! (He leaves door open and turns to his mother.) I’ll be getting my things together. (There is a pause. White enters.) Dad, mother has something to ask you. (He looks from father to mother.) Thanks, little mother.