Mr. Kenwigs purchases a pair of white kid gloves and then returns home in excitement. He muffles the knocker, for his wife is confined.
Mr. Lumbey, the doctor, is admiring her son. He remarks all her offspring are fine children. Mr. Kenwigs has high hopes for his eldest Morleena to marry above her station.
Several people visit. The neighbors have guessed what was occurring even before Mr. Kenwigs muffled the knocker. A female friend, the doctor, and Mr. Kenwigs continue to discuss how many children the Kenwigs should have, and how Morleena is a picture of her mother. They talk about what a looker Mrs. Kenwigs had been, and even now she doesn’t look like a mother of six children.
Nicholas visits the Kenwigs. He apologizes for the inopportune visit, but he didn’t think he could make it at a more convenient time. He was sent to deliver a message from Mr. Lillyvick some time ago and only had the time to come just now. Nicholas tells Mr. Kenwigs that the elderly gentleman sends his love, and he wants them to know that he has married Miss Petowker.
Mr. Kenwigs is horrified. He calls Mr. Lillyvick a traitor and other horrible names. The nurse yells at him for waking the baby. He wishes death on his child. All his children are now without expectations and are a burden. He doesn’t want them. He tells the nurse to take them to the orphanage.
Mrs. Kenwigs and the other women develop a very bad opinion about Mr. Kenwigs until Nicholas explains the situation. Then they pity him.
Mr. Kenwigs is upset that Lillyvick has treated him this way after all he has done for him. He spent so much money providing good food and presents.
Morleena and her sisters ready her father’s room and induce him to rest. He falls asleep. Nicholas and all but the closest family friends leave.