Alexey Alexandrovitch had not expected to find his wife genuinely repentant, to forgive her—and to see her live through her illness. Two months afterward, he realizes his mistake in not being prepared for such contingencies, but until that moment at Anna Karenina’s bedside, he had not known his own heart. In forgiving her and Vronsky, Alexey Alexandrovitch was relieved of the burden of his own guilt, shame, weakness, and suffering, and he experienced a spiritual peace he had never before known. The very source of his suffering, hate, and judgment had become the source of his simple spiritual joy.

After hearing of Vronsky’s attempted suicide, Alexey Alexandrovitch pities the man even more. Alexey Alexandrovitch has more feelings for his son than ever before and is ashamed at having taken too little interest in Seryozha. At first, Alexey Alexandrovitch is moved to compassion for the tiny baby, which is not his and has been virtually cast aside during her mother’s illness. The infant undoubtedly would have died if he had not taken an interest in her. For several hours each day, Alexey Alexandrovitch goes to the nursery and simply sits and looks at the child in fascination, not realizing the fondness he is developing for her.

As time passes, however, Alexey Alexandrovitch realizes he will not be allowed to maintain the simple sense of peace for which he so longs. Once the fear of death is gone, Anna Karenina begins to feel ill at ease with him and cannot look at him directly; she seems to want to tell him something but does not dare.

Near the end of February, baby Anna falls ill, and after spending the morning with her in the nursery, Alexey Alexandrovitch sends for the doctor. When he arrives home after work, Alexey Alexandrovitch discovers Princess Betsy Tverskaya is there, and he immediately escapes to the nursery. In the past few months, he has found that women have taken a peculiar interest in his situation, and their mocking superiority is unpleasant to him.

He spends a moment with Seryozha before asking about the baby’s health, because he can hear her cries in the next room. The doctor says baby Anna is well enough, but the governess thinks the child is hungry. Alexey Alexandrovitch wants the doctor to examine the wet nurse, and he is vexed that his wife has not taken a greater interest in the welfare of her own daughter. He goes to her room and overhears part of a conversation with Princess Betsy about Vronsky.

When he enters, the conversation stops. He bows, greets Princess Betsy, and notes that his wife looks feverish. The princess prepares to leave, but Anna Karenina grabs her hand for support as she tells Alexey Alexandrovitch that Vronsky has asked Princess Betsy to plead his case. Vronsky would like to come to the house and tell her good-bye before he leaves for Tashkend. Anna Karenina has said she will not see him.

Alexey Alexandrovitch is hesitant to speak honestly in front of Princess Betsy but finally says his wife must decide for herself whom she will and will not see. He tries to maintain his habitual dignity, but he understands there is no dignity in his position when he sees the “suppressed, malicious, and ironical” smile on the princess’s face.