The characters gather at Lady Woodvill’s house for a dance. Dorimant is there, disguised as Mr. Courtage. Old Bellair speaks to his sister, claiming that he does not love Emilia, even though he does. Lady Townley believes that Dorimant is actually Mr. Courtage; she complains about the lewd nature of people these days, particularly Dorimant. To this, Dorimant agrees. He jokes about young people, prompting Harriet to suggest that he would be a good match for her mother. Dorimant praises mature women as more intelligent and charming. This pleases Lady Woodvill, who compares him favorably to “that wicked Dorimant” (4.1.49). This amuses the other characters, but Lady Woodvill is unsure what is so funny. She dances with the disguised Dorimant.

Old Bellair approaches Emilia and jokes with her. Pretending as though he is not interested in her, he calls her “ugly” (4.1.85) when speaking to Dorimant. Once Dorimant has extracted himself from a conversation with the women, Emilia and Medley urge him to talk to Harriet. Dorimant approaches Harriet and asks why she has such a cold demeanor. She does not want to seem fake or pretentious, she explains, as she believes herself too independent to worry about what other people think of her. Dorimant suggests that she smile, but she chides him for not thinking much of her face as it is. Dorimant suggests that she should show off her beauty at Court, but Harriet is not interested in being picked apart by other people.

Harriet impresses Dorimant, but he is determined that she should not know this, lest the knowledge allow her to “revenge the wrongs [he has] done / her sex” (4.1.139-140). He adopts a nonchalant demeanor, pretending as though he is suddenly passionately in love with her. This display of irony makes Harriet skeptical, but she responds with a similar performance of her own.

Sir Fopling arrives with his “company of French rascals” (4.1.175). His pompous character is immediately recognizable behind his mask, which amuses the other guests. Talking with the characters, Dorimant reminds Fopling to address him as Courtage. Fopling talks about his status in Paris and his many romances. As Harriet makes a joke, Fopling hints that many of his romantic conquests were shared with Dorimant. When Harriet asks about the masked entourage, Fopling claims that he has brought them to entertain the guests. Harriet would prefer to see Fopling dance, and he adopts a show of false modesty. He dances a jig, pleasing himself. Harriet is amused.

Lady Woodvill, Lady Townley, and Old Bellair return. Harriet jokes with her mother about Courtage; her mother responds that Courtage—at the very least—is preferable to the “wild, extravagant” (4.1.313) Dorimant. She suggests that Harriet herself might be interested in Courtage, if she were not already engaged.

Dorimant recalls that Belinda is set to arrive soon. He worries, however, that he has now fallen “so foppishly in love” (4.1.321) with Harriet instead of Belinda. He speaks to Lady Woodvill, asking whether she has met Fopling. She has not, and she expects that Dorimant will soon join Fopling. She urges Harriet to leave with her, so Dorimant escorts them to their carriage.

Old Bellair speaks to Medley, who is more interested in Fopling seemingly leaving. Fopling explains that he must speak with Courtage. Medley promises to join him soon. While Old Bellair fetches a bottle to drink with Medley, Young Bellair appears. He tells Medley that he and Emilia have a plan. When a toast is raised, Medley mocks Old Bellair, saying that they are toasting Emilia. Old Bellair insists that he has no affection for her. Fopling sings a merry drinking song, then invites Medley to join him. He is going to meet Dorimant. Young Bellair invites himself along. Fopling calls for their way to be lit with lights, even though it is daytime. Confused, the other characters follow him anyway.