In New York on March 10, 1932, Eleanor reels from Mary’s reaction to her request that Mary support Franklin Roosevelt. Eleanor hastily apologizes and asks for forgiveness. Mary, firm but composed, insists they cannot move forward without examining both their relationship and the political history shaping it, describing the tension as a wall they must climb together.

When Mary asks if Eleanor understands the problem, Eleanor assumes she merely asked too much. Mary clarifies she is not angry about being asked; friends can ask anything. Instead, Mary is upset by Eleanor’s presumptuousness, noting they have never discussed their party loyalties or Mary’s political views.

Mary details the assumptions: Eleanor assumed Mary was dissatisfied with Republicans; assumed Mary would comply simply because Eleanor requested it; and, most hurtfully, presumed to know what is best for Black people. Mary underscores her responsibility to her community and her belief in Republican policies, even with shortcomings.

Shaken and contrite, Eleanor faces her ignorance and offers apology. Mary acknowledges the difficulty ahead and proposes a frank, potentially painful conversation about her experiences with Southern Democrats and the Ku Klux Klan, inviting Eleanor to scale the wall together to preserve their friendship and confront hard truths.