The Gambler — Chapter VI

Two days after the provocation Polina demanded, Alexis recounts the uproar and his fixation on Polina that drove him to it. He describes stepping before Baron and Baroness Burmergelm, bowing with exaggerated deference, declaring in French his “slave” status to the Baroness, then twice shouting “Ja wohl!” at the Baron, sending the pair away in alarm. When Alexis reports this to Polina, she coldly tells him to face the consequences alone.

After wandering the park and forest to cool down, Alexis returns late to a summons from the General. In the study, with De Griers present, the General rages that Alexis has terrified a personage of importance and announces Alexis’s dismissal, paying him off and disowning responsibility. Alexis admits the indecency yet asserts his autonomy, rebuking the General for answering to the Baron on his behalf and hinting at a challenge.

Alexis declares he will personally demand an explanation from the Baron for involving the General. The General, frightened of scandal and authorities, threatens arrest, then abruptly shifts to pleading for caution, citing delicate, undisclosed circumstances that require him to “move with especial care.” Alexis departs, inwardly resolved to push matters further to startle Polina into acknowledging him.

Privately, Alexis frames his recklessness as a strategy to force Polina’s attention, even at personal risk. A final twist arrives when the chambermaid informs him that Maria Philipovna has quietly left by night train for Carlsbad after a recent quarrel with the General, likely over Mlle. Blanche—an ominous sign that decisive changes are imminent.