These two scenes build to the climax of the act, the first sexual encounter between Gallimand and Song.
Scene 12 - The night Gallimand receives the troubling letter from Song, the French Ambassador tells him he is being promoted to the position of vice consul with the responsibility of coordinating the new intelligence division. He says that up until a few months ago it is likely that Gallimand would have been fired because he is not assertive enough. But then, for some reason, Gallimand becomes more assertive, a characteristic which indicated to the Ambassador that he is the right person for the promotion. Gallimand leaves the party, ecstatic that he is finally living a man's life in terms of both career and romance.
Scene 13 - Gallimand goes to Song and.....
