Princess Betsy returns from the theatre to her grand palace on Bolshaya Morskaya, quickly freshening up before welcoming her evening guests into the luxurious, dark-walled salon. As footmen serve tea from a silver samovar, the assembled high-society crowd divides into two groups. The conversation starts off casually, touching on recent theatrical performances and the popular Italian opera, but soon drifts toward harmless gossip and light critique regarding various acquaintances, including a scandalous upcoming pink-devil costume.
The princess's husband, a passionate collector of engravings, makes a brief appearance and shares light banter with the outspoken Princess Miagkaia, who humorously recounts an extravagant and pretentious dinner hosted by wealthy bankers. Following this brief diversion, the conversation shifts to focus directly on Karenin and his wife Anna, whose recent return from Moscow has caused a stir. Various guests discuss Anna's noticeable change in demeanor and the constant presence of Alexey Vronsky shadowing her movements.
Princess Miagkaia defends Anna warmly while openly criticizing her husband, Alexey Alexandrovich, whom she dismisses as foolish despite his political reputation. Other guests debate whether it is fair to judge Anna when admirers constantly pursue her. The debate concludes as the group gathers more closely around the tea table to discuss international politics concerning the King of Prussia.
The arrival of Vronsky interrupts the political discussion. He enters the salon with complete ease, greeting his cousin Princess Betsy and the other guests as though he had only just parted from them. When asked about his evening, Vronsky casually admits he spent the night enjoying a performance at the Bouffes-Parisiens theatre. The gathering continues its lighthearted evening routine, filled with familiar social pleasantries and witty banter among the city elite.