(Then she understands. She slowly turns to him, with tenderness in her eyes.)
(Then she understands. She slowly turns to him, with tenderness in her eyes.)
Hilda
Oh, now, Will, I do understand. Now I see the real reason for what you’ve done.
White
(Defensively)
I’ve given the real reason.
Hilda
(Her heart going out to him)
You poor tired man. My dear one. Forgive me, if I made it difficult for you; if I said cruel words. I ought to have guessed; ought to have seen what life has done to you. (He looks up, not understanding her words.) Those hands of yours first dug a living out of the ground. Then they built houses and grew strong because you were a workman—a man of the people. You saw injustice and all your life you fought against those who had the power to inflict it: the press; the comfortable respectables, like my brother; and even those of your own group who opposed you—you fought them all. And they look at you as an outsider, an alien in your own country. Oh, Will, I know howhard it has been for you to be always on the defensive, against the majority. It is hard to live alone away from the herd. It does tire one to the bone and make one envious of the comfort and security they find by being together.
White
Yes ... but....
Hilda
Now the war comes and with it a chance to get back; to be part of the majority; to be welcomed with open arms by those who have fought you; to go back with honor and praise. And, yes, to have the warmth and comfort of the crowd. That’s the real reason you’re going in. You’re tired and worn out with the fight. I know. I understand now.
White
(Earnestly)
If I thought it was that, I’d kill myself.
Hilda
There’s been enough killing already. I have to understand it somehow to accept it at all.
(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.Wallaceexcitedly rushes in dressed in khaki.)
(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.Wallaceexcitedly 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
Yes.
Wallace
Oh, thanks, Dad. (Grasping his hand.) I knew mother would make you see. (Music nearer.) Listen! Isn’t that a great tune? Lifts you up on your feet and carries you over there. Gee, it just gets into a fellow and makes him want to run for his gun and charge over the top. (He goes to balcony.) Look! They’re nearing here; all ready to sail with the morning tide. They’ve got their helmets on. You can’t see the end of them coming down the avenue. Oh, thank God, I’m going to be one of them soon. Thank God! I’m going to fight for Uncle Sam and the Stars and Stripes. (Calls off.) Hurrah! (To them.) Oh, I wish I had a flag. Why haven’t we got a flag here—Hurrah!!
(As he goes out on the balcony the music plays louder.Hildahas gone toWhiteduring this,and stands behind him, with her arms down his arms, as he sits there, gazing before him.)
(As he goes out on the balcony the music plays louder.Hildahas gone toWhiteduring this,and stands behind him, with her arms down his arms, as he sits there, gazing before him.)
Hilda
(Fervently)
Oh, Will, if I could only feel it as he does!!
(The music begins to trail off asWhitetenderly takes hold of her hands.)
(The music begins to trail off asWhitetenderly takes hold of her hands.)
[Curtain]