Varya fails to prevent the duel between Peter and Tolstoy. But the end of the duel is unexpected - Cherkasov and Tolstoy become friends. Evdokia marries Olga for Mongo-Stolypin. Olga, offended by Peter, agrees to the marriage. Peter does not intend to retreat, seeing Olga's hesitation, he offers her a secret wedding. Pavel warns Alexander about the danger of friendship with the Polish prince. Elizaveta tells her husband about Czartoryski's letters. She assures Alexander that she does not find the Polish prince attractive.