Sit down, Mother, and be still while I tell you—

[Pushes her mother into a chair.]

Mother: [Starts.]

Is there any news? Quick! Tell me!

Amelia:

Not since yesterday. Only they say Franz is at the front. We don't know where Emil and Otto are, and there's been a battle; but—

Mother: [Murmurs, with closed eyes.]

My boys! my boys!

Amelia:

Don't, Mother! They may come back. [A cheer is heard.]