Act III opens with Bernarda and her daughters entertaining Prudencia, a friend and neighbor, in the late afternoon heat of the house. The stage directions indicate that the sound of “a heavy blow […] heard against the walls” (197) interrupts the conversation. Bernarda explains, “The stallion. He’s locked in the stall and he kicks against the wall of the house” (197). Although things within the house appear settled and peaceful after the chaotic mob that ended Act II—Angustias wears an engagement ring from Pepe and talks of plans for the wedding. Adela makes repeated attempts to slip away alone—first to get a drink of water, then to go out for an evening walk in the cooled air; either Bernarda or her sisters disrupt both attempts. 

Adela, Amelia, and Martirio go out for a walk and Bernarda and Angustias discuss how things are going with Pepe. Angustias reveals that Pepe will not visit her window tonight, explaining he has gone into town with his mother. When pressed by Bernarda, she confesses apprehension about Pepe’s wandering attention, telling her that she feels him grow more and more distracted during their nightly meetings at her window and feels as if “he’s hiding things from me” (200).