The Autumn Garden, Act 3 Summary

The following morning, Sophie sits by Nick, who is asleep on the sofa. They are discovered by Mrs. Ellis, who rouses Nick and tries to send him upstairs. Constance comes in and, in an angry reference to the nosy neighbors across the street, complains that Nick has been the cause of unfriendly gossip. Sophie explains that nothing bad happened, and Nick backs her up. Constance refuses to believe Crossman's assurances that everything will be all right, and goes, followed shortly by Crossman. When Nina comes in, Nick convinces her to reconcile. After he goes upstairs, Nina goes out on the porch, apologizing to Frederick and Carrie (who are just coming in) for what the gossip about Nick and Sophie is going to do to the Ellis family's reputation.

Sophie comes in, also apologizing for creating "bad gossip...