On the Green Meadow: Alena Skalická, the owner of the "Krásná skála" estate, returns to the property after years abroad to take over its management herself. Her uncle Skalický and Engineer Miloš Miláček, who have managed the estate until now, are planning a grand welcome. The gamekeeper, Štětivec, is set to deliver the welcoming speech, and Head Forester Eisenkulka is rehearsing him. Štětivec’s wife, the sharp-tongued Barbora, is terrified that her Matěj might do something foolish.