At a grim dinner, Cordelia notes the absence of both her mother Evangeline and Lord Evermore. Master Strauss reveals Evermore rode out at noon; Hester explains he had urgent business and will return in a day or two. Earlier, Hester had pleaded with Evermore to travel to question Mr. Parker about whether he knows Evangeline, with Cordelia suggesting he be asked specifically about his cabriolet, hoping the detail might pierce any lingering compulsion. Lady Strauss insists on staying despite the dreadful turn of events, and Hester gives Cordelia a small, knowing nod that signals belief and solidarity.

The Squire urges Cordelia to visit her recovering mother. Terrified that Evangeline will read her guilt, Cordelia goes anyway, knowing refusal would look suspicious. A stone-faced maid, Mildred, admits her. Evangeline, feigning fragility, drops the act once alone, ordering Cordelia to lock the door and asking how she looks. Cordelia compares her mother's pale beauty to Falada, narrowly recovering from the slip.

Evangeline openly admits she murdered Penelope Green, complaining that Penelope wouldn't 'die politely' and that earlier attempts to scare her off with Falada had failed. She lectures Cordelia about men who mention other women's names, oblivious to her daughter's horror. Cordelia, calm finally shattering, briefly contemplates stabbing her mother but dismisses the plan as impractical and certain to end with her being made obedient forever.

The Squire arrives to check on Evangeline, who instantly resumes her tremulous, waiflike performance, clinging to his arm and claiming she only feels safe with him. Cordelia slips out. From her window she watches Falada circling the house at an easy trot, like a carrion-eater waiting for someone else to die.