The scene begins outside of Shylock'sVenice house. Shylock and Launcelot enter, Shylock assuring Launcelot that his life will be much harder as Bassanio's servant. He calls Jessica in. He tells her that he's going to Bassanio's for dinner. He gives her his keys, and tells her to be wary - someone is out to get him. He knows, because he dreamt of moneybags.
Launcelot warns Shylock that Bassanio and the rest have plotted against him, and to beware of people wearing masks. Shylock instructs Jessica to lock the house up tight while he's gone, then sends Launcelot to tell Bassanio that he will be attending dinner. Before leaving, Launcelot hints to Jessica about Lorenzo's plan: "Mistress, look out at window, for all this. There will come a Christian by will be worth a Jewess' eye." Act 2, Scene 5, lines 40-3 He then exits. Shylock wants to know what Launcelot said to her, but Jessica covers for him. Shylock then complains about what a terrible servant Launcelot had been, then exits. Jessica then talks after her father: "Farewell, and if my fortune be not crost, I have a father, you a daughter, lost." Act 2, Scene 5, lines 56-7
