[Hedwig throws open the door, and suddenly confronts a man who apparently was about to enter the house. He is an official, the military head of the town, known as Captain Hertz. He is well along in years, rheumatic, but tremendously self-important.]
Hertz: [Stopping Hedwig.]
Wait one moment. You are the young woman I wish to see. You don't get away from me like that.
Hedwig: [Drawing herself up, moves back a step or two.]
What is it?
Hertz: [Turning to the old mother.]
Well, Maria, another son must go—Arno. You are an honored woman, a noble example to the state. [Turns to Amelia.] You have lost a very good husband, I understand. Well, you are a foolish girl. As for you [Turning to Hedwig, and eyeing her critically and severely], I hear pretty bad things. Yes, you have been talking to the women—telling them not to marry, not to multiply. In so doing you are working directly against the Government. It is the express request and command that our soldiers about to be called to the front and our young women should marry. You deliberately set yourself in opposition to that command. Are you aware that that is treason?
Hedwig:
Why are they asking this, Herr Captain?
Hertz: