Chapter 4 Summary

The narrator comments that a woman most easily falls for a man when he only pretends to love her. The art of seducing a woman, though, is outdated, and seduction without feeling is a dull thing. Eugene is tired of the drama of seduction, having spent eight years of his life in meaningless entanglements, leading nowhere. He lost his desire for women by pursuing them half-heartedly, always somewhat relieved when a fling ended, whether he was rejected or betrayed.

However, Eugene is moved by the sincerity of Tatyana's letter. He remembers favorably her pale skin and retiring, sorrowful manner. For a moment, he feels passion again, but he cannot mislead Tatyana or seduce her. When Eugene and Tatyana meet, Eugene tells her that he's read her letter and that he respects her feelings. He confesses that the letter stirred his emotions. Still, Eugene...