[1] Typical of 18th century British operas, nearly all the action of The Haunted Tower takes place during the dialogue.
[2] Act I After a storm (portrayed in the overture), various people disembark from a ship that has landed at Dover ("To Albion's genius raise the strain").
Elinor is distraught: Her father wants her to marry the Baron of Oakland, although she is in love with Sir Palamede.
Lord William also disembarks and, in speaking to his servant Lewis, reveals that he is in disguise as Sir Palamede.
Inside the cottage Lord William (who everyone thinks is Sir Palamede) takes Lady Elinor by surprise and explains he was on the same ship as her.
Maud appears and offers her grandson Martin to lead Sir Palamede (really Lord William) to the Baron of Oakland.
Cicely observes the mysteriousness of Palamede's presence and remarks on the differences between women and men ("Nature to woman still so kind").
In dialogue with Adela, Edward states that his father does not act like a true baron and that he himself has not been swayed by the presumed rise in station.
De Courcy, accompanied by his attendantes, wonders whether his sister Lady Elinor was on the ship that recently docked.
This distresses De Courcy who asks Charles to gain as much intelligence as he can in order to avenge his family.
Lady Elinor tells Lord William (who she still believes is Sir Palamede) that she does not want to marry the Baron of Oakland.
Act II The servant Hugo reveals to Robert that he's served in the Oakland Castle long enough to witness three heads of the estate.
Left alone, Adela knows she needs more confidence to pass as Lady Elinor ("Be mine, tender passion, soother of care").
A moment of embarrassment ensues until the Baron, frustrated that he does not have a prepared speech, is able to speak haltingly a few awkward words to Lady Elinor (who is really Adela).
Outside of Oakland Castle, Sir Palamede (really Lord William) tells Lady Elinor to keep up the disguise.
The Baron does not think much of the occupation of jester, but Lord William responds that "satire well applied, is the medicine of the mind" and sings a song underscoring that adage ("Tho' time has from your lordship's face").
Lord William and Lady Elinor verify among Cicely, Charles and Lewis that their disguises are still holding.
They have heard the villagers have been taking up arms and, noting the frequency of messages Sir Palamede has been sending and receiving, assume that he is fomenting a potential uprising.
Adela enters (still disguised as Lady Elinor) and although Edward keeps up the charade, De Courcy immediately recognizes that the woman is not his sister.
Lord William assures Hugo that confirmation from the King of England is on the way that he is the rightful heir of Oakland Castle.
With Cicely present, Lady Elinor worries about Sir Palamede's fate ("Dread parent of despair").
Upon entering the chamber in the tower, Lord William discovers his father's armour and invokes his assistance ("Spirit of my sainted sire").
When the tower bell tolls, Lord William emerges from behind the screen, dressed in his father's armour.
De Courcy enters, congratulating Lord William and his knights; apparently all disguises have been revealed.
De Courcy presents Lord William to Lady Elinor, saying that he is the person their father contracted her to marry.