In the opening of Act II, the ladders are removed.
In the description of the stage for Act II, it states:
"The tables and chairs of the two kitchens are still on the stage.
The ladders and the small bench have been withdrawn
The stage manager has been at his accustomed place watching the audience return to their seats. "
During Act II, there are church pews and a board is placed at the back of two chairs, this does not happen in the opening.