The following day, the entire group chooses to remain in the parlor because it is raining outside. Madame Odintsova asks Bazarov to come to the study to point out the chemistry book he had previously suggested she read. Actually, she wants to resume the conversation that was so abruptly broken off the night before.
She tries to discuss happiness and one’s purpose in life with Bazarov, but he finds difficulty in discussing such things. “I am not generally accustomed to discussing my feelings and there is such a distance between us.” Odintsova presses Bazarov until he is forced to admit what is really happening inside him. She is stunned when he tells her that he is “madly and foolishly” in love with her. When he grabs her and holds her to his chest, she breaks away in complete amazement. The confused Bazarov hurriedly rushes from the room.
Shortly afterward, Bazarov sends her a note requesting permission to stay one more day before he leaves for his visit with his parents. She answers that it is not necessary to go away because the two have not understood each other. Madame Odintsova did not understand her own reaction but thinks that “peace is still the best thing in the world.”
