rupert vernon arrives with his companions, a group of puritans. he has joined them because their connections to the current government will help him claim the title to haddon hall. but he admits that he is otherwise unsympathetic to the puritan ideals of celibacy and self-abnegation. rupert introduces the puritans to the vernon household, who make it clear they are not welcome. sir george offers his daughter's hand, but lady vernon and dorothy once again urge him to relent. dorothy says she must be true to her heart. a furious sir george orders her to her chamber, and threatens to disown her. rupert and the puritans are shocked to learn that they have been refused.