Stepan convinces his beloved to run away. The lovers agree not to give free rein to their feelings before marriage, but the passion turns out to be stronger. Kolevanov undertakes to find a fugitive to marry her.
Astakhov, having fought with the Melekhov brothers, becomes their sworn enemy. Natalya Korshunova falls in love with Grigory. He, in turn, invites Aksinya to end their relationship and marries Natalya.