Anna becomes “paler overnight” (80). She summons Bazarov to her study, asking him to recommend scientific texts and resuming their previous conversation about the nature of happiness. Anna finds it absurd that Bazarov plans to become a provincial doctor like his father: “you, with your ambition, a district doctor!” (81). He claims it is absurd to discuss the future, as it “doesn’t depend on us” (81).

When she takes his reticence as a personal insult and lack of trust, he confesses his love for her, which is so strong “it resembled malice and was perhaps even related to it” (83). He kisses her without permission, and then storms out. Later, he sends her a letter offering to leave—implying that he was too sexually aggressive. Alone with her thoughts, Anna blames herself and blushes, remembering how close they were. She decides that “serenity is still better than anything else on earth” (84), but finds herself crying for reasons unclear to her.

During that night’s awkward dinner, Bazarov is filled with contempt and he refuses to speak to anyone. He apologizes to Anna again. With hurt pride, he claims that he must leave because “you don’t love me and never will” (86). Anna, watching his face, realizes that she is scared of him.