In the morning, the consequences are catastrophic. Miss Julie is consumed with shame and self-loathing, while Jean, having achieved what he wanted, quickly shifts his focus from passion to pragmatism. He reveals that he is engaged to Christine, and his primary concern is how to protect his own position. The final blow comes when the Count returns home. Miss Julie, who has been raised to fear and obey her father above all else, is paralyzed by the sound of his bell. She realizes she cannot face him. In a final, desperate act, she asks Jean to command her, to give her a way out. He gives her a razor, and she walks out of the kitchen to take her own life.