As the scene opens, we are introduced to the Governess and her daughter, who are discussing their son-in-law, Lin. The Governess tells her daughter that she is very happy with her son, and that she has made it clear to her family that she and Lin are only friends. She tells the daughter that her parents want her and Lin to be married, but they do not want to see their relationship with each other as a future marriage. She says that she only wants to be with a person whom she truly loves. She asks the daughter if she could leave Lin for a few days so that she can talk to him. The daughter says she would like to ask Lin to do so, but that he is still an outsider.