Elena is trying to start a new life after a divorce. The feeling of loneliness and melancholy brings her closer to Pavel Vesnin for just one night. Kulachev comes to Elena and declares that he loves Maria Petrovna (Lena’s mother) and intends to ask for her hand. Elena believes that all this is sheer nonsense. Kulachev wants Maria Petrovna to move into his new apartment. After another quarrel, he breaks up with his wife, who decides to take revenge on the homewrecker at any cost.