Emilia states categorically that Desdemona is innocent. Othello sends for his wife. He dismisses Emilia, treating her as a brothel-keeper. Othello accuses Desdemona of gross dishonesty. She doesn't understand what he is talking about, but thinks his anger may be because he has been recalled to Venice by Brabantio's plotting. Othello calls Desdemona a whore to her face. He ignores her pleas of innocence, and continues to treat Emilia and Desdemona as if they work in a brothel. Desdemona expresses her distress and bewilderment at Othello's treatment of her. She cannot speak the word 'whore'. Emilia speculates it is all the trick of a villain seeking promotion. Emilia continues to suggest that a villain has poisoned Othello's mind. She remind Iago that he has suspected her of infidelity with Othello. Desdemona professes her undying love for Othello, whatever happens. Emilia and Desdemona go off to dinner with the Venetian visitors. Roderigo is fed up with Iago, accusing him of tricking him out of jewellery which was meant to have been passed on to Desdemona. He threatens Iago. Iago promises Roderigo that Desdemona will be available for him soon. He plots that Roderigo shall kill Cassio that night as Cassio leaves Bianca's house.