Higgins was determined to talk to Eliza, but he saw that his mother was serious. He sat down, ready to listen.
“Eliza came to me this morning,” Mrs. Higgins began. “She told me how badly you treated her.” “What?” shouted Higgins, standing up. “That's nonsense!”
“He's right, Mrs. Higgins,” agreed Pickering. “We certainly were not unkind to Eliza last night. We hardly spoke to her. Higgins, did you tease her after I went to bed?” “On the contrary,” said Higgins. “She was teasing me! She threw my slippers at me!”
“I’ll tell you why,” Mrs. Higgins said. “Eliza worked very hard for you. She behaved like a duchess, yet you didn't give her any praise. Instead, you talked about how glad you were it was over and how boring it was in the end.”
“Maybe we were a bit careless,” nodded Pickering. “Is she very angry?” “Well, she won’t return to Wimpole Street,” Mrs. Higgins said. “But if you promise to behave, I’ll ask her to come down and talk to you.” Higgins and Pickering promised to be nice, and Alfred decided to go out into the garden for a while.
Eliza entered the room, looking calm and very feminine, showing remarkable poise. “How are you, Professor Higgins?” she asked. “So glad to see you again, Colonel Pickering.”
The two men stared at her, shocked. “It’s quite cool this morning, isn’t it?” Eliza continued.
“Don’t play this game with me. I taught you, and you can’t fool me. Pack your things and go home,” Higgins said angrily.
“Anyone can learn to speak and dress properly, Mr. Higgins,” Eliza replied calmly, not looking at him. “But the real difference between a lady and a flower girl is how she is treated. I will always be a flower girl to you because you treat me like one, but to Colonel Pickering, I will always be a lady because he treats me like one.”
“But will you forgive Higgins and come back?” Pickering asked gently. “He wants me back just to take his slippers and bring them to him,” Eliza said.
“I don’t want you back at all!” Higgins shouted angrily. “Very well,” Eliza said. “I can do without you. I will marry Freddy Eynsford-Hill. He writes to me two or three times a day! He really loves me.”
“That young fool!” Higgins exclaimed. “He can’t even get a job as a messenger boy!”
“I will work!” Eliza said confidently. “I’ll become a phonetics teacher like you!” Higgins laughed. “I like you this way, Eliza!” he exclaimed. “You’re full of spirit! I really did turn you into a woman. Oh, by the way, I want you to buy me something.”
“Honestly, I can’t imagine what you’ll do without me,” Eliza said as she left. “I would worry about both of you if Eliza didn’t love the Colonel,” Mrs. Higgins said. “Pickering! Nonsense! She’s going to marry Freddy. Ha-ha! Freddy!”