Finding Flora's note on the table, however, Alfredo departs in haste for the reception, to avenge himself of his lover's affront. At a hall in the house of Flora Bervoix a masked ball is in full swing. Violetta is in attendance on the arm of Baron Douphol, her former protector. Not expecting to find Alfredo there, she is upset on seeing him, but he pretends to take no notice. He makes for the card tables, where he wins with shameless luck, while provoking Douphol's resentment with vague allusions.
Dinner is announced, preventing a quarrel, and the guests move into the dining room.
Alfredo, having received an invitation from Violetta to talk with her, waits. Violetta implores him to leave and not to incur the Baron's wrath. She fears for his own life. Alfredo replies that he will leave only if she will follow him. Violetta is compelled to reveal that she has sworn never to see him again.