John reflects on his decision to marry his wife, Gerda, admitting he chose her for her submissiveness but now finds her devotion irritating. Henrietta confronts him about his cruelty and lack of empathy toward his wife's feelings, leading to a moment of tension and a revelation of their own complicated connection.
JOHN: And then you married Gerda?
HENRIETTA: Yes.
JOHN: The following year.
HENRIETTA: Why?
JOHN: Why?
HENRIETTA: Yes. Was it because you wanted someone as different as possible from Veronica Craye?
JOHN: Yes, I suppose that was it. I didn't want a raving beauty as a wife. I didn't want a damned ego
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