Inside the Peyton house, Minnie and Dido are setting up chairs, wondering what the chairs are for and why the house seems so quiet. Minnie remembers another enslaved woman saying goodbye to her last night, and they discuss what that might mean. George enters with Lafouche, an auctioneer, who is complaining about the disorganization of the estate. Looking at a list, Lafouche comments on a crossed-out name, presuming that it must be Paul, who ran away. Pete interjects and asserts that Paul must be dead because no one runs from Terrebonne. Lafouche assumes that Wahnotee must be the killer, noting that the crew on Captain Ratts’s steamboat adored Paul and would lynch Wahnotee on sight. Ratts will be attending the auction to buy someone. To George, Pete questions whether they’re really going to be sold. George replies that Mrs. Peyton had begged him to let the land be sold if it meant he could keep the enslaved people. George has resolved to marry Dora for the sake of Terrebonne.

George tells Pete to inform the other enslaved people of his plan. Dora enters, singing a sad melody. George asks to speak to her.