diff --git a/tools/e2e/56-private-variables.mjs b/tools/e2e/56-private-variables.mjs
index fb6fd060..886456af 100644
--- a/tools/e2e/56-private-variables.mjs
+++ b/tools/e2e/56-private-variables.mjs
@@ -97,10 +97,12 @@ export async function privateVariables(t) {
   );
   await press_((await locks())[1], 'the lock of timer, again');
 
-  // 56a-ii. While locked the value is read-only: typing into it changes nothing, hp still takes a value.
+  // 56a-ii. While locked the value is read-only: a click into it leaves no field focused, so typing
+  //         changes nothing. hp still takes a value.
   await sleep(150);
   await press_(await json("__gm.inspectorField('timer')"), 'timer value');
-  await typeText('9');
+  const focusedAfter = await json('__gm.focusedRect()');
+  await t.typeBlind('9');
   await press('Enter');
   await press_(await json("__gm.inspectorField('hp')"), 'hp value');
   await press('a', { ctrl: true });
@@ -109,9 +111,9 @@ export async function privateVariables(t) {
   await sleep(150);
   const defaults = (await brain()).props;
   check(
-    'the value of the private timer is read-only, hp still takes a new one',
-    defaults.timer === 42 && defaults.hp === 8,
-    JSON.stringify(defaults),
+    'the value of the private timer is read-only and takes no focus, hp still takes a new one',
+    focusedAfter === null && defaults.timer === 42 && defaults.hp === 8,
+    JSON.stringify({ focusedAfter, ...defaults }),
   );
 
   // 56b. The placed object shows hp only; its Variables tab builds the same rows.
diff --git a/tools/lib/harness.mjs b/tools/lib/harness.mjs
index e1ebc7f1..73a1c2ac 100644
--- a/tools/lib/harness.mjs
+++ b/tools/lib/harness.mjs
@@ -363,6 +363,11 @@ function makeTools({ cdp, projectId, baseUrl, consoleLog, check, shotPrefix }) {
       );
     await settle();
   };
+  /** Types without checking where it lands, for keystrokes that are meant to be refused. */
+  const typeBlind = async (text) => {
+    for (const ch of text) await cdp.send('Input.insertText', { text: ch });
+    await settle();
+  };
   const undo = async () => {
     await press('z', { ctrl: true });
   };
@@ -517,6 +522,7 @@ function makeTools({ cdp, projectId, baseUrl, consoleLog, check, shotPrefix }) {
     keyDown,
     keyUp,
     typeText,
+    typeBlind,
     undo,
     redo,
     state,