At a college-planning meeting, a classmate pushes everyone to apply to Marian's university. Hilary brushes off one student's objection and taunts her; others accuse that student of jealousy and demand she apologize or be cut off. The scene shifts to a violent confrontation where peers call Jim "an illegitimate child," accuse his mother of ruining a family, and attack him. Hilary intervenes, helps Jim up, and he thanks her. Later someone at the house tells Jim not to come back, citing status and calling him a disgrace — leaving him rejected and uncertain.