Part III, Chapter 7, Stepan Verkhovensky's Last Pilgrimage and Chapter 8, Conclusion Summary

After the momentous events of the last two chapters we are left to follow the wanderings of Stepan Verkhovensky. Having made up his mind to leave Mrs. Stavrogin's care and discover the "real Russia." Instead of taking a carriage to begin this great journey, however, he sets off on foot. He has no clear destination in mind and after walking for a while, he sits under a tree to rest and dozes off. A carriage of peasants drives up and a woman inside asks him who he is. Stepan replies in a way that confuses the peasants and then asks if he can join them in their carriage. They are traveling to a nearby town and Stepan offers to pay them if they will take...