In this scene, we learn that the Governess's husband, Claudius, has been flirting with his wife's nipples. The Governess, in an effort to win Claudius's love, tries to get him to touch hers, but he refuses, saying that he's a man. Claudius, however, does not want to be touched by a woman, so he grabs her by the scruff of her neck and drags her offstage.