After a street scuffle, Queenie, her parents present, has been struck while defending Zane. Zane apologizes, says he failed to protect her, but Queenie’s mother scorns him—calling his parents servants—and declares she and Queenie’s father will punish their daughter and tells Zane to stay out of her life. Meanwhile Fred reveals he is Mr. Joseph Lynch’s long-lost son and is bleeding from the encounter; family members debate hospital care for his loose teeth and possible hearing damage. The household fractures over status, Queenie faces punishment, Zane is pushed away, and Fred’s injury demands an immediate decision.