On the following day, Schedoni becomes more receptive to Ellena’s thoughts, even though he is not ready to consent to her wish to stay at the Santa Maria della Pieta convent.

It is late in the day when they find a deserted and dilapidated villa. They enter to see if any refreshments are available but find none. Here, Ellena thinks she has caught a glimpse of Spalatro. The guide proceeds to tell them about an earthquake that destroyed the villa that once belonged to the Barone di Cambrusca. As the guide attempts to tell his story of the ruins, he is interrupted several times by an impatient Schedoni. Ellena’s suspicions are confirmed as she sees Spalatro, whom Schedoni pursues and shoots. When she finds Schedoni, she urges him to leave, especially with the setting of the sun.

Here, the guide attempts to resume his story about the villa but is again interrupted before mentioning his knowledge of Spalatro’s past. In turn, Schedoni’s angry reaction to the guide’s attempted discussion of Spalatro leads Ellena to conclude that Schedoni and Spalatro have a deeper relationship than she previously assumed.

As they approach the town, they notice a festive atmosphere with actors, booths, musicians, and dancers. They happen to find a performance of Virginia, a Roman legend from 450 BCE, when the guide draws Schedoni’s attention to the action on the stage, observing that a wicked father is murdering his own daughter. Schedoni and Ellena are both struck by the scene; in particular, Ellena can’t help but notice Schedoni’s confusion. Disturbed by the scene and the slowness of the pace, he takes out his anger on the guide’s horse and the guide himself. As they head into the inn, Ellena gives the guide her last ducat so he can provide for his horse.