into the kitchen, and Carletto once again seeks refuge in the cellar. Act 2 Fiorina and Carletto again approach Don Checco. They ask his forgiveness for the previous misunderstanding, and he grudgingly concedes to intervene on their behalf. After they leave, Roberto, who has heard the entire exchange from his room, also urges Don Checco to help the young couple. While waiting for his meal, Don Checco hears someone hissing at him from the entrance. It is Succhiello Scorticone, the bailiff who has been pursuing him. He orders Don Checco to come outside so he can be arrested. Don Checco refuses, and an angry exchange takes place. At this point Bartolaccio arrives. Having talked to Succhiello, he is furious that Don Checco has made a fool of him and orders him to leave. Don Checco again refuses. Fiorina and Carletto are waiting at the inn for the arrival of the notary who will marry them. Still believing that Don Checco is really Count de Ridolfi, the young couple are convinced that he has interceded with Fiorina's father to allow the marriage. As a powerful nobleman, he would not be refused. Meanwhile, peasants who had heard that the count was staying at the inn arrive bearing flowers and wreathes to pay homage to him. Surrounded by the peasants and with the bailiff and two policeman waiting outside, Don Checco becomes desperate. Things become worse for him with the arrival of Bartolaccio who exposes Don Checco's deception to the consternation of everyone. A peasant then hands a letter to Succhiello who opens it and reads the contents to all present. It is from Count de Ridolfi. In it he forgives the debts of both Don Checco and Bartolaccio and states his express wish that Fiorina and Carletto be married. He also bestows a dowry of 1000 ducats on Fiorina and a gift of 3000 ducats on Carletto. Astounded, Bartolaccio asks Succhiello how the count could have possibly known what was going on at the inn. Succhiello reveals that the count had been there all along disguised as the artist Roberto. Bartolaccio happily consents to the marriage and offers Don Checco free hospitality at his inn. The opera ends with Don Checco singing a lengthy soliloquy on indebtedness and noting that it can sometimes lead to unforeseen happiness. He then bids farewell to all, "Remember me, Don Checco the debtor", to which they