Anna Karenina wonders what Dolly and Vronsky talked about but does not ask. They do not have time to talk before dinner. The meal in the dining room and everything about both the room and the meal are even more sumptuous and modern than the rest of the house. As a good household manager, Dolly scrutinizes every detail. None of the men she knows, including her husband, would ever even consider such a thing, believing that it all simply happened without any cost or trouble to themselves. The organization and attention to details in this household is maintained by Vronsky.

Anna Karenina’s only obligation is conducting the conversation. This is a rather difficult task given the diversity of people at the table, but she demonstrates her usual naturalness and tact and even seems to be enjoying herself. She deftly ensures that every person at the table has a chance to discuss something they know. Dolly notes her hostess’s coquettishness and finds it unpleasant.

The conversation never ceases, bouncing quickly from one subject to the next, and is full of stinging barbs; Dolly is once terribly wounded by a comment and wonders later if she caused anyone else to feel as she did. Sviazhsky begins talking of Levin’s odd belief that machinery has had pernicious effects on Russian agriculture. Vronsky says he has not met Levin but is sure the man has not seen the best machines at work. Veslovsky mocks Levin for his antiquated views but Dolly defends Levin, saying that he is a cultivated man who could answer these charges if he were here.

Sviazhsky says he is Levin’s friend but even he thinks Levin is a bit crazy, believing that councils and boards are useless and taking part in nothing. Vronsky dismisses this as Russian apathy and says he is grateful to have been named a justice of the peace for his district. It is one of the only ways he can pay for the advantages of being a landowner. Dolly finds it strange that both Vronsky and Levin clearly believe they are right, but she loves Levin and supports his view.

Anna Karenina says she thinks there may be too many boards, councils, and meetings; soon they will take over all of Vronsky’s time. Though she speaks lightly, there is an irritability in her tone which Vronsky notices immediately. His face reflects a serious obstinacy, and Dolly assumes this subject is connected to some “deep private disagreement” between them.

After dinner they sit on the terrace and then play some lawn tennis. Dolly tries to play, but the effort to learn the game is too much, and soon she is sitting with Princess Varvara to watch. Veslovsky is the worst player but keeps everyone in good humor; despite that, Veslovsky is the most impressive and memorable physical presence. That night, Dolly dreams of Veslovsky “flying about the croquet-ground.”

Dolly does not enjoy herself at the game, but she tries to join the too-clever banter. All day she has felt as if she is a bad actor ruining a fine performance. Instead of staying for two days, she decides she will leave tomorrow. Later, she is relieved to have some time alone, and it is disagreeable to her that Anna Karenina is coming immediately.