"Ah, my dear," said the countess, "my life is not all roses either. Don`t I know that at the rate we are living our means won`t last long? It`s all the Club and his easygoing nature. Even in the country do we get any rest? Theatricals, hunting, and heaven knows what besides! But don`t let`s talk about me; tell me how you managed everything. I often wonder at you, Annettehow at your age you can rush off alone in a carriage to Moscow, to Petersburg, to those ministers and great people, and know how to deal with them all! It`s quite astonishing. How did you get things settled? I couldn`t possibly do it."