Sherry returns from a reformatory, thin and suddenly mute. Winnie and the household fuss over her, urging medical help while others still blame her for Mrs. Turner’s death. In a tense confrontation, Eva taunts Sherry and confesses she pushed their mother off the balcony, claims she forced Sherry to serve three years in the reformatory, and admits she caused Sherry’s muteness so the secret would stay hidden. Eva’s admission shatters the old accusation but leaves Sherry powerless to speak; Eva leaves, forcing the household to face the exposed truth and decide what to do next.