After a short visit, Grigory is forced to leave the farmstead again. It's not easy for him to leave the dark-browed Cossack woman who holds his heart. Daria tells Natalya about her fatal illness and, wishing to atone for her sins, tells her that she knew of Grigory's recent meeting with Aksinya. Three months have passed since Melekhov left for the campaign. Love and hate battle within Natalya, while a new life is being born within her.