"March to Harmonia Gardens" is underscoring for everyone (except Dolly) arriving at the restaurant. Before they go into the restaurant, Cornelius asks Irene if he may put his arm around her waist as they go in. Irene agrees but reminds Cornelius that, "a corset is a corset".

Next comes Ambrose Kemper and Vandergelder's niece,
Ermengarde. Ambrose is still practicing his dancing as Ermengarde keeps wailing that she just wants to get married.

Finally, Horace Vandergelder arrives waiting for Ernestina Money--Dolly's little "hook" to get him to the restaurant. He'll recognize her because she will be singing "Rosie O'Grady". From the other side in comes this large woman wearing heavy make-up and complete with feather boa bleating "Sweeeeet Rosie O'Grady--my sweet little rose..." Horace gives the audience a "Why me?" look and escorts her into the restaurant.

The curtain opens to the elegant Harmonia Gardens
restaurant. Two private, curtained dining rooms flank the left and right side of the grand staircase leading from upstage center to center stage. The lights come up to reveal the staff standing at attention while the headwaiter, Rudolph, barks his orders.