Act 1, Scene 2 Summary

Davy Dahumma, Sir Walter's poor relative and personal valet, arrives at Allwit's house. Allwit asks Davy if Sir Walter is in town; Davy says that he will arrive shortly. Allwit tells Davy that Mistress Allwit has missed Sir Walter. In fact, she has been craving both pickled cucumbers and Sir Walter's arrival. Davy responds that the craving is probably a result of her pregnancy. Allwit encourages Davy to visit Mistress Allwit to let her know that Sir Walter will arrive soon.

Allwit begins a lengthy monologue about Sir Walter and how happy he is to hear of his return. Allwit's wife has been Sir Walter's mistress for 10 years. Because of this relationship, Allwit has enjoyed certain benefits in exchange for turning a blind eye. Sir Walter has paid all the bills for the Allwit family, which includes two boys, both fathered...