The Governess, the Governess's aunt, and her uncle rush into the carriage to see their daughter, who has been rushed to the hospital by her father. She tells her father that she has almost recovered from her illness and that she flatters him. He tells her that he is a dying man and that he cannot let go of her. He explains that when she was born, everyone was grateful that she was a girl, but that even if she is the eldest daughter she is still an eyesore for the family. He says that she is meant to protect her until she grows up, and that her true appearance is also known, but things do not always go as they want. He warns her that her aunt is planning to use her to help the family, and she tells him that she will take care of herself.