<P> Hoard tells his niece, Joyce that he will find a good husband for her soon . After he exits, Joyce notes that it is unlikely that he will match her with the man she truly wants to marry the most: his enemy's nephew, Witgood . Lucre's servant, George, brings Joyce a private letter and exits . Joyce reads the letter, which is from Witgood, who pledges love to her and urges her to disbelieve any rumours she may hear about him . Joyce says she will trust Witgood . </P> <P> Scene 3: The common room of a tavern </P> <P> Hoard thanks Spitchcock and Lamprey for helping him court the' Widow' . Spitchcock and Lamprey bicker over which one of them helped more . They enter a room at the tavern . The Courtesan enters the tavern with Witgood and the Host . Witgood exits to inspect the kitchen . The Courtesan sends the Host back to her lodging to fetch a ring, which she says she forgot . As soon as she is alone, she instructs the tavern boy to inform Hoard of her arrival . Hoard enters with Lamprey and Spitchcock . They take the' Widow' away to get married . </P> <P> Witgood enters . He asks the owner of the tavern to take special care with the dinner--he is dining with his uncle and prospective bride and wishes to make a favourable impression . The tavern boy tells Witgood that the' Widow' is gone, carried off by Hoard & co . Witgood feigns surprise . The Host re-enters, saying that he could not find the ring . Witgood tells him that the' Widow' has been stolen . Lucre enters with his two friends, Limber and Kix . Witgood tells him that his mortal enemy, Hoard, has stolen the' Widow' . Lucre is infuriated . They all rush off to Coal Harbor without delay . </P>

A trick to catch the old one summary