Feelings of love come suddenly to two aging men. The manners in which their affairs develop differ from each other but the lessons they take from them are similar. When Gurov started dating Anna in Yalta, he was not serious nor did he care about Anna`s fear and hesitation. He simply took advantage of Anna`s innocence and loneliness. When Anna left for her husband, Gurov felt little regret, making sure she would soon be forgotten. She was just one of the women with whom he had had trysts, however, Gurov is surrounded by Anna`s presence and starts searching for her. Another encounter with her in Moscow raises his awareness, revealing his true self as well as Anna`s. He admits the mysteries of other people and accepts Anna with sympathy. The regenerating power of love cleanses his soul and Gurov steps confidently toward their future, no matter where it leads. Duffy, a bachelor in Dublin, meets Mrs. Sinico at a concert and they befriend each other. Surprised by Mrs. Sinico`s physical advance, Duffy halts their liaison because he fears physical contact with women. The news of Mrs. Sinico`s suicide brings Duffy a chance to confront his egotism, to feel remorse toward her, and recognize the cold reality of his solitude. At the end of each narrative, both Gurov and Duffy gain spiritual regeneration through purifying love.