Because Warren's prospects appear dim, Susan's social-climbing mother discourages his visit, while Ada, who is determined to marry before her younger sister does, boldly competes for his attentions.
A short time later, Tallant arrives; while posing as the magnanimous Davenport, he gives Milton one hundred dollars as payment for Bean's long-outstanding medical bills.
Before Milton agrees to Rosen's deal, Davenport arrives and, after identifying himself, explains to the Haggetts that Bean's work is now worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Inspired by the promise of big money, the Haggetts begin a desperate search throughout the house, but quit when Hannah finally confesses that, years before, she threw a bundle of Bean canvases into a bonfire.
After Abby refuses to sell, the painting's true worth is revealed to her, and she angrily decries her employers while admitting that she had saved seventeen canvases from Hannah's fire and has them packed in a trunk.