Section 12: Chapter 17 Summary

In Chapter 17, the next day, Zinaida and Princess Zasyekin leave in a cab to go somewhere. Count Malevsky visits Vladimir's house and claims Vladimir is a bad page since a good page would be by his queen day and night. He suggests that Vladimir keep watch at night in the garden by the fountain. Although he suspects a practical joke, Vladimir's blood boils, and he decides to follow Count Malevsky's advice. Vladimir sticks a penknife in his pocket and plans an ambush all day, waiting for midnight. At midnight, Vladimir takes his post for the ambush in the quiet night. Feeling foolish, he wanders around the garden and climbs up onto the greenhouse where he hears a twig snap. Vladimir climbs down from the greenhouse, thinking he is here at last and opening his penknife. Vladimir prepares to meet the approaching...