It is mid-September now, and Stella puts together a cake for Blanche’s birthday. Stanley comes home, saying he’s “got th’dope” (118)on Blanche. The first lie she’s told them is about her virginity. He has confirmed that she is infamous at the Flamingo Hotel in Laurel for her risky relationships with men. She was, allegedly, booted from the hotel for her behavior. 

Throughout this conversation, Blanche can be heard singing the song “It’s Only a Paper Moon” in the bathroom. Stella doesn’t believe a word of these accusations.

Stanley continues, suggesting that her reputation got her ostracized from Laurel, which is why she ended up coming to New Orleans. She didn’t leave her teaching position; she was fired for her affair with a 17-year-old student. At this point, Blanche calls upon Stella to bring her a towel for her hair. She notices the look on Stella’s face, but Stella waves it off as exhaustion. 

Stella returns to the kitchen. Although she knows her sister is “flighty” (124), she still denies the claims. She begins explaining Blanche’s hardships with her husband. She puts candles in Blanche’s cake and informs Stanley that Mitch is invited to join the celebration that evening. Stanley, however, has relayed all of the gossip to Mitch and suspects he won’t show.