Summary

In Chapter 4, Laptev is startled to see Yulia in his sister’s room. At first, he feels this must mean that she is indifferent to him. He soon realizes that she is also suffering. Yulia asks Laptev to see her home. They walk in silence. She apologizes for her coldness the night before. He tells her once again how much he loves her.

Dr. Sergei Borisych Belavin is at home. He welcomes Laptev so cordially that it is obvious he knows about the proposal. This displeases Laptev, who resents meddling of any kind. The doctor departs for his rounds. Laptev tries to go with him, but Yulia asks him to stay. Yulia thinks to herself that she must be crazy to turn down an eligible bachelor when she herself is wasting her youth. She tells Laptev that she accepts his proposal. He kisses...