Book II An Unfortunate Gathering

On a bright August day, Miusov arrives at the monastery with his young relative, Pyotr Kalganov, followed by Fyodor Pavlovitch and Ivan in a second carriage. Dmitri is late. Outside the church, they mingle with departing worshippers; only Kalganov awkwardly gives alms. Miusov’s skepticism and irritation grow as no official greets them despite prior donations and influence.

An ingratiating landowner, Maximov, volunteers directions to Elder Zossima’s hermitage and chatters incoherently about the elder’s greatness. A pale, courteous monk overtakes the group, formally inviting all to dine with the Father Superior at one o’clock and offering to conduct them to the elder. Maximov scurries off toward the monastery, while the monk takes charge of the visitors.

As they cross to the hermitage, Fyodor Pavlovitch alternates between mock piety and provocation, baiting Miusov and making coarse remarks about monastic customs and women’s access. The monk maintains dignity and corrects a rumor about the former elder Varsonofy. The group notes the carefully tended flowers around the elder’s wooden house, contrasting serenity with their rising tension.

At the hermitage gate, the monk goes to announce them. Fyodor continues to needle Miusov, who fears he will lose his temper and disgrace himself. The chapter closes with the party being invited inside, their strained dynamics poised to color the impending audience with Elder Zossima.