That is what comes of letting Franz go to a factory town, Maria. That is where he met this girl. Factory towns breed these ideas. [To Hedwig.] Well, we'll have none of that here. [Authoritatively.] Another word of this kind of insurrection, another word to the women of your treason, and you will be locked up and take your just punishment. You remember I had to look out for you in the beginning when you talked against this war. You're a firebrand, and you know how we handle the like of you. [Goes to door, turns to the mother.] I am sorry you have to have this trouble, Maria, on top of everything else. You don't deserve it. [To Hedwig.] You have been warned. Look out for yourself.
[Hedwig is standing rigid, with difficulty repressing the torrent of her feelings. Drums are heard coming nearer, and singing voices of men.]
Amelia: [At door.]
They are passing this way.
Hedwig:
Wave to Arno. Come, Mother. Ah, how quickly they go!
[The official steps out of the door. There is quick rhythm of marching feet as the departing regiment passes not very far from the house.]
There he is! Wave, Mother. Good-by! good-by!
[The women stand in the doorway, waving their sad farewells, smiling bravely. The sounds grow less and less, until there is the usual silence.]
In another month, in another week, perhaps, all the men will be gone. We will be a village of women. Not a man left.