Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

A week later, Lulu plays the piano as Mr. Cornish sings with her. Di sneaks into the house unnoticed. Lulu's attempts at making light of her embarrassing situation regarding Ninian's disappearance are met with compliments and flattery by Mr. Cornish. Mrs. Bett has just put Monona to bed and joins Lulu and Mr. Cornish. Lulu continues to make excuses for Di's absence, but Mr. Cornish is more interested in Lulu.

Mrs. Bett cannot stand the suspense of the unopened letter from Ninian sitting on top of the piano. She opens it herself to find a newspaper clipping announcing Ninian's marriage fifteen years ago. With mixed feelings, Lulu at last realizes that Ninian had been telling the truth about the other woman. He had not abandoned her because he did not love her. Mr. Cornish is concerned for Lulu, but Lulu is...