Act 5, Scene 1 Summary

Sir Oliver has arrived at Joseph's house pretending to be Stanley, but Joseph does not want to see him. In fact, Joseph is in a vile mood after Sir Peter discovered his wife behind the screen, because now he has lost Lady Teazle and the rumors of the event will ruin his chances with Maria. Thus, just as Sir Oliver and Rowley enter the room, Joseph walks out. Needless to say, this leaves Sir Oliver with a bad first impression of his nephew.

When Joseph returns, Sir Oliver explains that he (i.e. Stanley) is in dire straits and he is forced to ask Joseph for money. However, Joseph explains that he has no money to give him, since he is in very straitened circumstances himself. Though Sir Oliver points out that he has heard that Joseph's uncle (i.e. himself...