Chapter 9, pgs. 580 - 644 Summary

The year is 1802. Two cousins, Ivan Suvorin and Ivan Romanov, are talking in Russka. Both are descendants of Maryushka. Suvorin offers Romanov the opportunity to go into business with him but he refuses.

When Alexander Bobrov was away seeking an appointment with the new tsar, Tatiana becomes pregnant by a Hussar officer. Alexander decides to raise the child as his own. They name the child Sergei.

In 1812, Russia prepares for war against Napoleon. Dirty Place has been renamed Bobrov. Alexander says he is more concerned about the serfs than Napoleon's troops. The serfs are virtually slaves that are owned by the master they serve. The only escape is military service, and the wealthier serfs could buy another serf to serve in their place. Alexander demands an outrageous price to release Suvorin's son from the military and the Suvorins hate...