Act I, Scene II Summary

Claire, her carriers, her husband, and Ill arrive at the Village Wood. This, and Petersen's barn, were places Claire and Ill made love as youths. She recalls how their relationship ended. Ill married another woman and left her all alone. She wound up leaving the town and becoming a prostitute in Hamburg, where she attracted the attention of a rich Armenian, the first of many wealthy husbands. Ill insists that it was for her good, because if she had married him she would not have become rich but would be in financial ruin like he is. His domestic life is unhappy, too: he constantly fights with his family. Claire promises that she will not let her hometown continue to suffer. Elated, Ill regrets aloud that they could not have married, and admires her hand as the same...