As Vivaldi and Ellena are fleeing from San Stefano, the Marchese Vivaldi becomes apprehensive of his son’s absence, while Marchesa Vivaldi fears that Ellena’s whereabouts will be discovered. The marchesa soon finds herself disappointed when a wealthy family makes overtures to the Vivaldi family, expressing the wish to marry their daughter to Vivaldi. Their riches would have eased the expenditures of the marchesa.

The marchesa becomes infuriated after hearing from the Abbess of San Stefano of Ellena’s escape with Vivaldi but refrains from informing her husband of the abbess’s letter, knowing that he will most likely disapprove of the measures she plans to take. Instead, she sends repeated summons to Schedoni.

When Schedoni arrives, he confirms her fears without disclosing the sources of the information, adding that Ellena was spotted at the lake of Celano and that she had married Vivaldi. Observing her anger, Schedoni decides to put it to use by irritating her pride and resentment while pretending to soothe her with a pretended palliation of Vivaldi’s actions. He begins to suggest that Ellena’s crime is nearly as atrocious as that of a state criminal and that she deserves nothing short of death. The marchesa, however, is silent.

Schedoni encourages her to take action by advocating for the marchesa to be more courageous and manly by ending Ellena’s life. Justice, he insists, must prevail. In turn, the marchesa hesitates, explaining with some embarrassment that she has “some woman’s weakness.” Requesting time to consider his proposals, she asks to meet him at the church of San Nicolo during vespers.