"How much have you spent this year, dear?"
"I don't know."
"Examine your accounts."
Adolphe discovers that he has spent a third more than during
Caroline's worst year.
"And I've cost you nothing for my dress," she adds.
Caroline is playing Schubert's melodies. Adolphe takes great pleasure in hearing these compositions well-executed: he gets up and compliments Caroline. She bursts into tears.
"What's the matter?"
"Nothing, I'm nervous."
"I didn't know you were subject to that."
"O Adolphe, you won't see anything! Look, my rings come off my fingers: you don't love me any more—I'm a burden to you—"