The scene opens at the seaside resort where Deryn's family has gathered to celebrate the birth of their baby girl. As the scene opens, Deryn and her family are shocked to learn that the baby girl has been murdered. They are horrified to discover that the girl's murderer is none other than the manager of the resort, who they believe is responsible for the crime. Deryn tells her family that the doll that she has made is as ugly as the man who murdered her daughter, and she declares that she will make the doll her "most perfect masterpiece."