While Stepan Arkadyich, having taken almost all the money there was in the house, went to Petersburg to fulfill the most natural and necessary duty, known to all who serve in the government though incomprehensible to those who do not, and without which it is impossible to serve —  that of reminding the ministry of himself — and, in going about the fulfillment of this duty, spent his time merrily and pleasantly at the races and in summer houses, Dolly moved with the children to their country estate in order to reduce expenses as much as possible.