In Kuala Lumpur, Ethel Proudlock's murder trial opens before Mr Justice Sercombe Smith and two European assessors. Lesley, seated in the front row, observes Ethel looking gaunt and hostile. Prosecutor Hastings Rhodes calls William Proudlock first. William testifies about the events of 23 April: target practice in the garden, handing the loaded Webley to Ethel, leaving for Evensong, then dining alone at Goodman Ambler's house while Ethel stayed home in a tea gown. He recounts her bloodied, dishevelled return and her account of Steward attacking her, switching off the light, and groping her until she shot him. Rhodes insinuates impropriety, noting the revealing tea gown and that William had been away in Hong Kong for a month, with friend Hugh Markes checking on Ethel.

Goodman Ambler corroborates William's account, adding that Ethel cried "He made me do it" and was hysterical. Detective Inspector Wyatt describes the body forty paces from the verandah, the revolver with six spent cartridges, and Ethel's blood-smeared, powder-blackened hand. Dr McIntyre testifies that on the night of the shooting Ethel showed no bruises and seemed unexpectedly composed, but a day later he found five bruises consistent with assault. Under Pooley's cross-examination, McIntyre concedes Ethel is nervous and hysterical and could have suffered temporary loss of reason.

The prosecution then introduces damaging evidence: Inspector Ferrant found European women's and a young girl's clothing at Steward's Salak South house, and witness George Spence confirms Steward had been living with a Chinese woman for three months. The prosecution implies Ethel killed Steward in jealous rage upon discovering this affair.

On the fourth day, Pooley calls Lesley. Facing Ethel directly, Lesley commits perjury, denying that Ethel ever confided an affair with Steward and asserting the rumours are baseless. Rhodes declines to cross-examine. Ethel then testifies, denying any affair, recounting Steward's unexpected arrival, his violent advances, and her grabbing the revolver in desperation. She declares she would rather be convicted of murder than live branded as an unfaithful wife.

After closing arguments, both assessors Wise and Kindersley return verdicts of guilty, and Mr Justice Smith concurs. Ethel stays silent when offered a chance to speak. The judge sentences her to hang. Ethel collapses, wailing, clinging to William until policemen pull her into a van bound for Pudoh Gaol, with Lesley and the lawyers watching helplessly.