The following summer, Marcel avoids Albertine ("Sad Balbec"). He visits a seedy nightclub ("My Soul Weeps" — Tango) and discovers her dancing closely with another girl. Confused and excited, Marcel invites Albertine to tea at his hotel where they happen across a lesbian couple. Albertine assures him that she is not "that type" and after some hesitation, he believes her. Searching for words to express his feelings, Marcel asks the Narrator for help ("But What I Say"). Act I finishes as the Narrator closes the stage curtain and stands alone ("Song of Solitude")