Summary

In Chapter 7, Laptev attends a symphony with his wife and friend Kostya Kochevoy. During intermission, Laptev’s ex, Polina Nikolaevna Rassudina, approaches him. She shakes his hand and asks where Yartsev is, then leaves without waiting for a reply. Laptev feels ashamed for never writing to her about the wedding. She approaches him again shortly after to demand that they have tea. He consents. After the show, they wait at the door together so that Laptev can tell his wife. He tells Yulia to leave with Kostya; he’ll come later. She nods and walks on. Polina stares at her with hatred.

In the cab on the way to Polina’s place, Laptev reflects that he owes her a great deal. They met through Yartsev. It is thanks to Polina that Laptev learned to love music. Polina rants about her students, calling them...