The scene opens with a conversation between Madame Bovary and Madame Pernelle, who are interrupted by the arrival of the president and his wife, the vice-president. The president has just purchased a heart-shaped piece of land in the middle of the ocean for his wife and he is very happy to have it. Madame Perelle, however, is not so happy about the purchase. She complains that the president is wearing a plain dress and fiddling with the strap on the boat. She is also concerned about the president's wife's reaction to the purchase, as she is not used to wearing plain clothes. She asks the president not to move, as there is plenty of time to have breakfast. She also asks him not to do anything that might cause embarrassment to the vice president and the wife. The vice president is very pleased to have the heart of the sea in his possession. He is also very happy that he has been able to purchase it at an auction the day before. He tells the women that he bought it for them because he was very lucky to have such a beautiful wife. He also tells