Alexey Alexandrovitch won a brilliant victory at the last Commission of the 17th of August, but a subsequent event is devastating to him. The new investigation into the condition of the native tribes was quite thorough, covering political, administrative, economic, ethnographic, material, and religious aspects. The data were gathered officially, and the recommendation was in alignment with Alexey Alexandrovitch’s contention; however, Stremov (the man who lost this battle to Alexey Alexandrovitch) has resorted to devious and unexpected tactics.

Stremov and several other members of the committee suddenly transfer their allegiance to Alexey Alexandrovitch’s position, but now Stremov proposes even more extreme measures than those Alexey Alexandrovitch has proposed. The measures pass, but they are so outrageous and extreme that there is a governmental, public, and social indignation against them. Stremov blithely claims Alexey Alexandrovitch is the "father" of these reforms, claiming innocently only to have blindly followed his lead and expressing his astonishment and distress at the consequences. This all constitutes a defeat for Alexey Alexandrovitch; however, he is not deterred, despite his failing health and domestic woes.

There is a split in the commission. Half follow Stremov, claiming the report is worthless; half follow Alexey Alexandrovitch and believe such drastic measures as have been recommended are dangerous and should be repudiated. The consequence of this split is upheaval in the highest circles of society, a chaos of debate regarding the condition and future of the native tribes. This and his wife's infidelity make Alexey Alexandrovitch's position precarious; he responds with the surprising request to investigate the question in person. He has obtained permission and prepares to leave for these remote provinces shortly. Alexey Alexandrovitch's departure causes a great sensation, as does his return of the money allowed him for transportation on his journey.

On his way to the remote provinces, Alexey Alexandrovitch is stopped for three days in Moscow. As he is returning from his visit to the governor-general, he is hailed by his brother-in-law, Stepan Arkadyevitch, and his family. Alexey Alexandrovitch does not want to see anyone in Moscow, least of all his wife's brother, so he raises his hat and prepares to drive on; but Stepan Arkadyevitch is persistent and stops the carriage.

Stepan Arkadyevitch chides Alexey Alexandrovitch for not letting them know he was in town, and the visitor responds dryly that he does not have time and is very busy. Nevertheless, Alexey Alexandrovitch gets out of his carriage and goes to greet Darya and her children. When she asks about his wife (her sister-in-law), Alexey Alexandrovitch mumbles a reply but is interrupted by Stepan Arkadyevitch, who invites him to dinner the following night. He wants to show off their important relatives to their friends. Alexey Alexandrovitch agrees to come just so he can escape the questioning and returns to his carriage.

Stepan Arkadyevitch tells his wife that Alexey Alexandrovitch is a "queer fish" and prepares to leave, but his wife calls him back, blushing as she asks him for money to buy coats for two of the children. Stepan Arkadyevitch dismisses her request and tells her to tell the merchant he will pay the bill before vanishing into a crowd.