Scene i Summary

Joseph is upset to learn that Stanley has called on him. Given the disastrous previous scene, he worries that he won't be able to put on a "benevolent" act for his relative. Sir Oliver and Rowley enter looking for Joseph, neither expecting him to help Stanley.

Posing as Stanley, Sir Oliver relates his family's poverty. Joseph manages to act civilly; however, when Stanley inquires how much Joseph's uncle has assisted him, Joseph claims to have received very little. As an aside, Sir Oliver reveals that he gave Joseph twelve thousand pounds, shocked at his nephew's denial.

Though he claims to be "deeply affected" by Stanley's plea, Joseph offers only a vague promise to contact Stanley if he can help in the future. This officially convinces Sir Oliver to make Charles his heir instead of Joseph.

When he is alone, Joseph says aloud that the problem with being seen as an upstanding person is that "it invites application from the unfortunate," which clearly annoys him. Rowley announces that Sir Oliver has arrived, and though Joseph pretends to be joyful, he feels his uncle's presence will be a "piece of ill fortune."

Scene ii Summary

Mrs. Candour calls on Lady Teazle at Sir Peter's house, but she won't see anyone. When alone, Mrs. Candour comments that even though she doesn't know most of the details, she will pass on the scandal "at a dozen houses." Sir Benjamin Backbite arrives, and he and Mrs. Candour spin tales about what happened between the Teazles at Joseph's house.

Lady Sneerwell arrives next, adding more questionable details to the gossip session. The women immediately point out the flaws of Lady Teazle's character and talk about Charles's supposed status as the lady's "lover."

Backbite mentions a wound taken by Sir Peter, and the story grows extravagantly until the scandal-mongers invent a duel between Charles and Sir Peter over Lady Teazle. Sir Oliver arrives, and then Crabtree, who enters mid-story and adds that the duel was conducted with two pistols, and Sir Peter was gravely wounded.

To their surprise, an intact Sir Peter soon enters the house and orders the company out. Rowley returns to Sir Peter's side, and he and Sir Oliver report their findings upon interviewing Charles and Joseph. When Rowley and Sir Oliver seem to praise Joseph, they are surprised to hear Sir Peter won't join them; however, he doesn't want to admit the truth about Joseph because that would mean Sir Peter was wrong.

Rowley tells Sir Peter that Lady Teazle has asked him to intercede on her behalf and encourages him to reconcile with his wife. Sir Oliver departs to allow the couple time to iron out their conflict. The lady is in her room crying, but the door is ajar, suggesting she wants her husband to come in.

Sir Peter thinks it might be good to let her suffer a while. They discuss a letter Sir Peter found from Lady Teazle and addressed to Charles, but Rowley claims it was forged. He assures Sir Peter that Snake will confirm this truth. When Sir Peter worries that he will look foolish to society for reconciling with Lady Teazle so quickly, Rowley encourages him to enjoy his happy marriage "in spite of" the gossip.

Scene iii Summary

Lady Sneerwell visits Joseph in his library, chastising him for failing to execute their plan. Lady Sneerwell now knows that Joseph never loved Maria. She accuses him of trying to commit too many crimes at once. Joseph asks whether Lady Sneerwell has proved Snake's loyalty to them, and she assures him she has.

Sir...