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Synopsis - Act II Act two of Faust takes place entirely in a lush, romantic garden near Marguerite's house. Siebel waits, hoping a gift of flowers will help win her heart, although every blooms he touches wilts. Finding a little holy water helps to revive his bouquet, he leaves the flowers on Marguerite's doorstep.
Faust and Mephistopheles, meanwhile, lurk in the bushes, observing the actions, and present a gift of their own at Marguerite's door: a casket packed with jewels. When Marguerite arrives she casually notes the bouquet, but is overcome with the gift of jewels, draping herself in them, and fancying herself a princess. A matronly neighbor, Marthe, observes the gaiety and joins Marguerite, advising her to keep the jewels as they must be from an admirer. Mephistopheles arrives with Faust, and informs Marthe that her missing husband is dead. Marthe is briefly distraught, but consoles herself by pursuing the alluring new stranger. Faust, meanwhile, makes overtures to Marguerite. Marguerite tells Faust of how lonely she is, with both her mother and sister gone, and Valentin off to battle. Faust offers his love and protection, but Marguerite is guarded. She plays a game of "he loves me, he loves me not," and succumbs to Faust's advances when the flower ends on the fateful petal of proof. The act closes with a rapturous love duet as a curtain of foliage drops over the two lovers
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