[4] The story follows Andrey Kovrin, a young doctor of philosophy, who visits the estate of his former guardian, Yegor Pesotsky, in hopes of restoring his mental health.
Yegor is a well-known amateur horticulturist, having devoted his life and resources to cultivating a vast orchard of valuable cherry, pear, and apple trees.
During a walk in the garden, Kovrin encounters a mysterious vision: a black monk materializing from a whirlwind, a figure he vaguely recalls from an old legend.
However, Tanya grows alarmed when she catches him speaking to an empty chair and insists he seek treatment for his mental health, fearing his hallucinations indicate illness.
Kovrin, now under strict care that includes routine milk consumption and daily walks, resents the loss of his visionary experiences and greatness.