Peace and Then—?
Suburb of London. Three months after declaration of peace. Time: Noon.
CAST
Mrs. Claire Hamilton—about 35 years of age—portly—simply dressed.
Master Hal Hamilton—her son—about 10 years of age—full of life—dressed in Boy Scout uniform.
Mr. John Hamilton—soldier—botanist—about 39 years of age—tall—well built.
Sergeant, soldiers and pedestrians.
Claire Hamilton is seen fixing her corner flower stand and endeavoring to sell her plants to passers-by, but after three futile attempts she becomes tired of standing and takes seat on wooden bench in front of her stand. Takes letter from pocket—sighs and begins to read letter aloud.
Mrs. Hamilton (reading). "Dearest Love and Hal Boy—We are still in the bowels of hell—but even this would be nothing if I but knew my loved ones were well and happy. (She wipes away a tear and continues reading.) Nothing but a miracle can end this terrible war. Give my own dear Hallie boy a kiss from his longing papa." (She lays letter on her lap and meditates.) Peace (shakes her head—looks at date of letter.) February 16th—six months past and now it's all over—three months ago—Oh, God, bring him back to me and my boy. (She goes back of flower stand and brings out box of mignonettes. Hal comes running in with bundle of newspapers and very much excited—his sleeve is torn. He stands still and looks at mother rather proudly and defiantly.)