Bazarov joins the others at tea, and Pavel begins interrogating Bazarov about his beliefs. Pavel makes derisive comments about Bazarov's admiration for the German scientists. Bazarov tells Pavel that he doesn't "believe" in anything, whether it be science, art or human institutions, but he does pay special attention to science because it "gives him the facts."
Pavel and Nikolai leave to go talk with the overseer, and both are upset over what they have heard from the young people. They can't understand why youth has rejected so much that the old people hold valuable. They are both perplexed, but of the two Pavel is angrier.
When the two of them are alone, Bazarov asks his friend Arkady if Pavel always acts the way he just has. He makes several derogatory comments about Pavel. Arkady defends him, maintaining that Pavel's life story demands some sympathy; then he proceeds to tell Pavel's life story.
