Blithe Spirit

A few evenings later, Charles, dressed in mourning clothes, stands in the living room. The doorbell rings, and Madame Arcati enters. She is dressed in the same outfit as in the first act. Madame Arcati expresses her guilt over not helping Ruth, but Charles reassures her that Ruth’s death was not her fault.

Charles still cannot see or hear Ruth. Madame Arcati expresses her theory that Elvira was responsible for Ruth’s death, and Charles asks her to keep that theory to herself. Madame Arcati asks if Charles still wants to get rid of Elvira. When he again defends Elvira and insists she has had it hard, Madame Arcati calls him foolish. She tells Charles that she has a simple solution.

Elvira appears, upset to see Madame Arcati. Charles reassures her that Madame Arcati is only expressing her condolences. Elvira asks Charles to tell Madame Arcati to get her away from the house. Elvira asks to speak with Charles privately. Madame Arcati goes to wait in the dining room.

Alone, Elvira bemoans how her plan has went awry and her desire to return to the spirit world. She declares her love for Charles and her longing for a return of the eternal devotion she showed him.