 Returning with the count, the countess confesses that Cherubino is in the dressing room, his clothes in disarray. As the enraged count moves to the door, his sword drawn, Susanna demurely steps forth. The count, baffled, as is the countess, can only apologize to his wife. Now Figaro enters. The count questions him about the letter. The countess and Susanna have had to explain that Figaro sent it, but he denies all knowledge.