Chapter 3 Summary

Vladimir is leaving Eugene, and Eugene chides him on being in such a hurry, asking him where he spends every evening. Vladimir says he goes to the Larins's house, which Eugene supposes is dreary. Vladimir counters that he enjoys the family life. Eugene asks to meet Vladimir's beloved, and Vladimir suggests that he come along that night.

Vladimir and Eugene arrive at the Larins home and find a traditional Russian gathering, just as Eugene imagined. On the way home later, Eugene is yawning with boredom. Eugene asks which girl was Tatyana, and Vladimir explains that she's the quiet one who sat by the window. Eugene says that, if he were a poet, he would rather have Tatyana than Olga, who Eugene finds dull in her perfection.

The visit makes the neighbors gossip that Eugene is going to marry Tatyana. Tatyana herself secretly falls...