THREE years have passed sinco, in Act L
Pinkerton, the American naval officer, has loft little Madame Butterfly,' with whom he had contracted a ' 'Japanese marriage.' She still believes in him and waits happily for his return. Sharpless, the United States Consul, tries to persuade her that she has been deserted and must marry again, but she will have none of this. At the end of the scene, Pinkerton's ship arrives in the harbour, and Butterfly stands waiting at the window all night, listening for his footsteps.