Two hours later, Pavel calls on Bazarov and asks about the latter's views on dueling. Bazarov says that theoretically duels are absurd, but that they can serve a practical purpose. Much to Bazarov's amazement, Pavel challenges him to a duel for the ostensible reason that he finds Bazarov detestable and superfluous at Marino. They agree to fight with pistols at eight paces and without benefit of seconds at six a.m. the next day. Bazarov insists that they have a witness and suggests Nikolai's valet, Piotr, who "stands at the peak of civilization" for the role. Once Pavel leaves, Bazarov laughs to himself about the idiocy of the entire affair, about the meaningless kiss he gave Fenichka, and Pavel's asinine gallantry. "What a comedy we played," he muses, "like trained dogs dancing on their hind legs."
Bazarov starts a letter to his parents, but tears it up thinking that if something happens to him, they will hear about it soon enough. He finally decides that nothing is going to happen to him anyway. He goes in search of Piotr and tells him to report to him early the next morning for some urgent business. That night he has many strange dreams concerning himself, Madame Odintsova, Pavel, and Fenichka.
Piotr wakes them up at four and they leave for the dueling place. Piotr is frightened when he learns the true purpose of the trip. Bazarov sees some workers who are also up this early and feels how useless his trip is compared to the workers who are going to do something worthwhile.
