2002SorcererAct2

It is midnight, and the villagers are still lying where they have fallen. Mr. Wells, with a great sense of fitness, has had the more exalted members taken home and put to bed "respectably." As the villagers wake, each falls in love with the first person of the opposite sex visible, Constance and the Notary making one couple.

Alexis is so pleased with his success that he urges Aline to join with him in drinking the philtre, in order that nothing may be left to chance. She refuses, and they quarrel. The remaining characters begin to arrive: first Dr. Daly, the worthy Vicar, who is puzzled because, in a village hitherto rather slow in the matter of marriage, he has suddenly had a request for hasty weddings from everyone -- even Sir Marmaduke. Alexis is none too pleased when he finds that the philtre has led the Baronet to fix on Mrs. Partlet, the Pew Opener.

Still, he must live up to his opinions, and there is a congratulatory quintet from those concerned. Mr. Wells, having caused the mischief, falls a victim to his own spell, for Lady Sangazure, entering, sees him and at once adores him. He, on the other hand, not having drunk the philtre, does not reciprocate, and in an amusing duet endeavours to dissuade her. Without success, however, for she threatens to bury her woe in her family vault.

Aline, having pondered the matter, has decided to fall in with her lover's wish, and drinks the philtre. Immediately afterwards, she catches sight of Dr. Daly and of course falls in love with him. He is delighted at his good fortune, but Alexis, coming in full of remorse, is astounded to find his embraces repulsed. Explanations ensue, and the Vicar obligingly offers to quit the country and bury his sorrow "in the congenial gloom of a Colonial Bishopric."