(He stares at her, wondering at her words. She smiles. He goes to a chair and sits down, gazing before him. The music of “Over There” is now heard outside in the street, approaching nearer and nearer. It is a military band. Wallace excitedly rushes in dressed in khaki.)

Wallace

Mother, mother. The boys are coming down the street. (Sees father.) Dad! Mother has told you?

Hilda

(Calmly)

Yes; I’ve told him.

Wallace

And you’re going to let me go, Dad?

Hilda