Blithe Spirit

The next morning, Ruth sits at the breakfast table reading a newspaper. Charles enters, and it becomes tense. After some bickering, Ruth accuses Charles of having treated her poorly when he was drunk last night. Charles tries to explain that he wasn’t drunk but rather the victim of a supernatural encounter. He ascribes the appearance of Elvira to their discussion earlier in the evening, which put her on his mind. Charles continues to insist that Ruth is jealous of Elvira, and Ruth continues to accuse him of sexist stereotyping.

Ruth describes how Charles has been dominated by women, starting with his mother through other women to Elvira. Charles denies her claims and instead accuses Ruth of trying to dominate him. Her feelings hurt, Ruth declares that their marriage is in trouble, and Charles blames her.

Edith interrupts their fight to clear the table and ask about lunch. When Charles tries to avoid having lunch with Ruth, Ruth insists they will eat together. After Edith leaves with the tray of dishes, Charles continues to try and explain himself to Ruth. Ruth concedes that Charles believes he imagined something and that something is wrong with him.