The battle lines are drawn in Ormston as the villagers plan a final stand to stop the proposed road through the village. Mr Ffotherington, Servant of the Crown, arrives to evaluate the validity of the objections to the scheme. He implies to Tom that he may be able to prevent the demolition of the village. At an emergency parish meeting, the villagers agree to butter up Mr Ffotherington, treating him with kid gloves to sway his decision.