Act 2 thumb|350px|alt=Wide angle shot of the whole stage showing the ballet scene; a threatening character stands at center with a raised sword, while other dancers lie prone on the stage appearing to plead with him; others stand at left looking concerned|"The Small House of Uncle Thomas" scene The wives are dressed in their new European-style gowns, which they find confining ("Western People Funny"). In the rush to prepare, the question of undergarments has been overlooked, and the wives have practically nothing on underneath their gowns. When the British envoy, Sir Edward Ramsay, arrives and gazes at them through a monocle, they are panicked by the "evil eye" and lift their skirts over their heads as they flee. Sir Edward is diplomatic about the incident. When the King is called away, it emerges that Sir Edward is an old flame of Anna's, and they dance in remembrance of old times, as Edward urges her to return to British society. The King returns and irritably reminds them that dancing is for after dinner.
Act 2 thumb|350px|alt=Wide angle shot of the whole stage showing the ballet scene; a threatening charac.ter stan.ds at center with a raised sword, while other dancers lie prone on the stage appearing to plead with him; others stand at left looking concerned|"The Small House of Uncle Thomas" scene The wives are dressed in their new European-style gowns, which they find confining ("Western People Funny") In the rush to prepare, the question of undergarments has been overlooked, and the wives have practically nothing on underneath their gowns. When the British envoy, Sir Edward Ramsay, arrives and gazes at them through a monocle, they are panicked by the "evil eye" and lift their skirts over their heads as they flee. Sir Edward is diplomatic about the incident When the King is called away, it emerges that Sir Edward is an old flame of Anna's, and they dance in remembrance of old times, as Edward urges her to return to British society. The King returns and irritably reminds them that dancing is for after dinner.