- Sviyazhsky is five years older than Levin and has been married for a long time. Part of Levin's reason for not visiting sooner is that Sviyazhsky's wife has a sister whom Sviyazhsky and his wife would like Levin to marry.
- On one hand, Levin has no interest in this girl. But on the other hand, he thinks it might be good to test out his feelings for her.
- In any case, the Sviyazhsky family life is pleasant and amiable.
- For Levin, Sviyazhsky is an interesting person because he has a number of opinions that seem to contradict the way he lives his life.
- For example, at the same time that he looks down on the peasants, his interactions with them are heartfelt, sincere, and respectful. Levin considers Sviyazhsky to be a living enigma.
- Levin also looks forward to seeing some neighboring landowners and discussing farming with them.
- The day's shooting is not very good.
- During tea, Levin is sitting with his hostess and her sister. Levin is uncomfortable and distracted because the sister is wearing a revealing dress.
- Levin blushes and finally escapes to the other side of the room where Sviyazhsky is talking with two other landowners.