Act 1, Scene 3 Summary

Brussels, June 1947. A radio announcer speaks in French, announcing an orchestral performance. Susan meets with Darwin, a bureaucrat, and Brock, who at this point is Darwin's assistant. Their conversation reveals that Susan's husband Tony died in their hotel, and that Darwin is making arrangements for the body to be embalmed. Susan asks why embalming is necessary, and Darwin uncomfortably tells her it's to ensure that accidents to the body, like explosions because of changes in air pressure on airplanes, don't happen. Darwin excuses himself to make arrangements for the flight home, asking if Susan wants to accompany the body and whether there are any children. Susan says she will go back with the body, and that there are no children.

Once Darwin is gone, Susan comments that Darwin doesn't like Brock. Brock says that Darwin is much more concerned with etiquette...