Matthew renounces his family and leaves after a blistering confrontation in which relatives and a senior, who declares all ties severed, denounce him. A speaker earlier insists a supposedly crippling strike shouldn't have been resisted, underscoring disbelief about Matthew's strength. Matthew departs, leaving an item behind, while his relatives scoff he'll return after hardship. Mr. Gilmore and Matthew's father move to seize Matthew's war merits for Zachary. They plan a public victory feast to announce Zachary's return and promotion to Major, forcing Matthew's absence into a contested, public claim.