Nande Azeredo confronts a man who suggests buying her pearls or giving her money, asserting her independence and disdain for being labeled a gold-digger. She emphatically states that her relationships are based on genuine liking, not material gain. The suggestion of pearls, which she cannot consume, symbolizes her rejection of superficial gifts and societal expectations placed on women. Nande's fiery response highlights her desire for authenticity in her connections.

This exchange reflects deeper themes in Sinclair Lewis's "Dodsworth," where female characters navigate societal pressures and expectations. Nande's strong stance emphasizes her self-worth and the importance of emotional connection over financial transactions. By dismissing the notion of luxury gifts, she challenges traditional gender roles and asserts her autonomy, illustrating the struggle for identity against societal norms of the period.