Act 3 Summary

The next morning, while Mother Bett is sweeping the back porch, Lulu approaches her mother to tell her that she is leaving. Lulu cannot live in a town where people think the worst of her and will not stay to cook and clean in Ina's house any longer. Lulu has a small amount of money, and Mother Bett gives her fifty dollars along with her good wishes. Lulu is pleased that her mother is not hurt by Lulu's decision to leave, and Mother Bett tells her daughter that this is something Lulu should have done a long time ago.

In Lulu's absence, the house cannot function properly, and no one can manage to prepare an edible breakfast. Everyone speculates on Lulu's whereabouts, and finally Mother Bett confesses that Lulu has gone to the train station in order to escape the drudgery of life...