In this short scene, Keane tries to divert the attention of the Governess from her conversation with her father. The Governess introduces herself as her daughter, and tells Keane that she is the eldest daughter of the family. He praises her, saying that he has heard rumors about her family for a long time, and that when he saw her today, he realized that her rumors were true. He invites Keane to join him in the study, where they discuss the matter of his love for his daughter. He says that he wants to marry off his daughter, but that there is another person in his heart. He tells his father not to worry about his marriage, because if he marries her, the family's rank would be in chaos, and he would not be able to serve as his father's son in law.