Sviazhsky introduces Levin to his friends. This time Levin cannot avoid Vronsky, as he is standing with Stepan Arkadyevitch and Sergey Ivanovitch. Vronsky is quick to extend his hand and says he remembers meeting Levin at Princess Shtcherbatsky’s. Levin blushes, says he remembers, and turns to talk to his brother. Vronsky continues his conversation oblivious to Levin, but Levin keeps thinking about how he might “gloss over” his blushing.

Levin asks about what is happening in the election process, but his questions simply demonstrate his complete lack of understanding of the process. Stepan Arkadyevitch winks at Vronsky, suggesting this is as exciting as a race one might bet on. Vronsky sets his jaw and says it seems to him more like a fight. There is a pause in the conversation, and Vronsky notices Levin’s gloomy eyes are fixed on him. Noting his uniform, asks why Levin is a nobleman who lives in the country but is not a justice of the peace.

Levin thinks the justice of the peace is a “silly institution,” but Vronsky thinks just the opposite. Levin says he has had no good experiences with the justice of the peace in his district and relates a rather ridiculous story to prove it; even as he speaks he knows what he is saying is “stupid.” Stepan Arkadyevitch and Vronsky walk away, and Sergey Ivanovitch tells his brother he cannot believe he has no political tact. While he does not have to make a friend of him, Vronsky is on his side of this issue and there is no sense in making him an enemy.

The old marshal has made up his mind to stand, and the elections begin. Sergey Ivanovitch whispers to Levin that he should cast his vote by placing the white ball on the right side; but he is confused and thinks he knows the enemy, so he votes to the left. As he watches others vote, Levin scowls and realizes he voted incorrectly. Everyone is still as the counting is done. The marshal has been voted in by a considerable majority, though another candidate may receive more votes than him and win the title.

Levin is depressed at the political maneuvering and, since no one needs or wants him, he walks back to the small room with the waiters. After eating, he joins the ladies in the balcony who have been eagerly watching and listening, some of them praising his brother. Below them the nominating process begins, and a series of men are asked to serve and decline. Levin is disgusted and starts to leave; on his way out he is ushered back into the room.

The vote is finally taken, and Nevyedosky is the new marshal of the province, just as the winning faction had planned. Some are amused, some are ecstatic, some are happy, some are unhappy, and some are disgusted. The former marshal is in despair and cannot conceal it. When Nevyedosky leaves the room, a throng mindlessly follows him—just as they had the governor on the first morning.