Ellena is awakened from sound slumber when Spalatro enters with her breakfast, consisting of an oaten cake and milk. As their eyes accidentally meet, he turns away abruptly with the expression of someone conscious of evil intentions. When she begins to drink the milk, she suddenly stops, fearing it is poisoned.

Hours later, she hears sounds near her door again. After unfastening the bolts on the door, Spalatro peers around the chamber before venturing further. Ellena notices his haggard appearance, with a countenance evocative of impatience and guilt. Telling her that he forgot her dinner but will be bringing her supper, he suggests that she take a walk along the beach. Despite her initial doubts and fears that it is a stratagem to lead her to destruction, she agrees while followed at some paces by Spalatro.

Having lost sight of him, she notices a monk with a repulsive countenance walking under the dark rocks. As she contemplates running to a nearby hamlet, she suddenly finds the monk at her shoulder. Her distress increases as he heads in the direction she had intended to proceed. She does not know that the monk is her persecutor, Schedoni. When he accuses her of luring young men to their destruction, she realizes that he is her enemy. However, as she faints, Schedoni feels agitated as a newfound sense of pity and compassion is mixed with the desire to stab her or throw her into the ocean. Soon, Spalatro conducts her back to her room, barring the door.