Peter pays a visit to Xenia, who, taking advantage of her charm, lures Peter to bed. Dressed in a man's dress, Varya decides to talk to the emperor. Paul listens favorably to her, but he does not intend to change his order against the cavalrymen. Grand Duke Constantine is subdued by Vari's extravagant act and asks her to stay at court. Tolstoy and Lugin await punishment. In the fortress, they unexpectedly meet Stepan, who tells them his story.