Villagers surround Freddie and his new wife, demanding "Give us that wolf too!" and accusing Mary of cursing the village. They pressure Freddie to abandon her, threaten to split the family, and insist he give his money to their children, reminding him his parents died early so he must choose security. Freddie fears being cast out, then snaps: "This woman is my wife," and vows to break the legs of anyone who speaks ill of her. His family still calls him useless; he comforts his wife—protection declared, but the village's hostility and family rejection remain unresolved.