Anna, Karenin, and Vronsky exist in a kind of holding pattern. The Karenins observe outward formalities but are otherwise totally estranged. Vronsky serves as a tour guide for a visiting prince and finds he is reminded of his own character; the narrator describes him as Vronsky’s “unpleasant mirror” (355).

Vronsky awakens from a nightmare of a peasant, similar to Anna’s earlier dream on the train to St. Petersburg. He goes to find Anna and accidentally meets Karenin in passing, lamenting that Karenin will not duel him. He tries to assure Anna of his devotion, as she is worried he has been unfaithful.

Vronsky dislikes Anna’s new tendency toward jealousy and he misses their early romance. Anna does an impression of Karenin and tells Vronsky her husband has no feelings, which is how he can endure their strange situation. Vronsky asks after Anna’s health and the coming birth of their child. Anna assures him she would be different and more at ease if she could openly be his partner. She tells him she will liberate him by dying in childbirth. The two discover to their mutual “horror” (361) that they have both dreamed of a peasant, who, for Anna, symbolizes her coming death.