The publisher rejected Luise's manuscript – as a woman she should find a husband and devote herself to sewing. So Luise has to find a different approach to publishing her manuscript. Perhaps a submission under a male pseudonym promises more success? dr Büchner wants to surprise Luise with a bouquet of flowers in the hope of spending a romantic afternoon with the lady of his heart. But things turned out differently and the naïve doctor witnessed how the conflict between the von Kummerveldt siblings continued to escalate. Because Veit got hold of the letter that the publisher had sent to Luise. He reads in the presence of Luise and Dr. Büchner out of it with malicious delight. Luise does not want to accept this humiliation and challenges her brother to a pistol duel.

Veit is looking for ways to get physically closer to the maid Karla, again using his position of power. Luise observes the two and sees it confirmed that Veit as a man can get everything he wants, while almost all doors remain closed to her - as a woman. Veit's leg injury is also wrapped up in a male heroic story by the housekeeping staff, in which Veit allegedly caught a poacher in the act and was shot in the leg. At Veit's birthday party, at which one of Veit's former military comrades, Dr. Knecht, and his sister Adalind are present, the siblings meet again. Luise seems changed and initially mimes the good sister.