Section 10: Chapter 15 Summary

In Chapter 15, Vladimir hardly sees Zinaida during the next five or six days because Zinaida claims that she is unwell. All except Maidanov still visit the lodge. Byelovzorov sulks in the corner. Count Malevsky really falls out of favor with Zinaida and waits upon Princess Zasyekin. Dr. Looshin comes daily for a short time. Though Vladimir is frightened of Dr. Looshin, he is also attracted to him. One day, Dr. Looshin and Vladimir walk in the garden. Dr. Looshin is amiable until he smacks himself on the forehead and exclaims, "I, like a fool, thought that she was a flirt. Evidently to sacrifice oneself is the height of bliss—for some people!" Zinaida ignores Vladimir's presence, which she obviously finds disagreeable. She changes again, and Vladimir is stricken forcibly by the change as he sits in the corner of the...