"
Mrs. von Briest was evidently embarrassed. But Effi cuddled up to her
fondly and said: "Forgive me, I will hurry now. You know I can be
quick, too, and in five minutes Cinderella will be transformed into a
princess. Meanwhile he can wait or chat with papa."
Bowing to her mother, she was about to trip lightly up the little iron
stairway leading from the drawing-room to the story above. But Mrs.
von Briest, who could be unconventional on occasion, if she took a
notion to, suddenly held Effi back, cast a glance at the charming
young creature, still all in a heat from the excitement of the game, a
perfect picture of youthful freshness, and said in an almost
confidential tone: "After all, the best thing for you to do is to
remain as you are. Yes, don't change. You look very well indeed. And
even if you didn't, you look so unprepared, you show absolutely no
signs of being dressed for the occasion, and that is the most
important consideration at this moment. For I must tell you, my sweet
Effi--" and she clasped her daughter's hands--"for I must tell you--"
"Why, mama, what in the world is the matter with you? You frighten me
terribly."
"I must tell you, Effi, that Baron Innstetten has just asked me for
your hand."
"Asked for my hand? In earnest?"
"That is not a matter to make a jest of. You saw him the day before
yesterday and I think you liked him. To be sure, he is older than you,
which, all things considered, is a fortunate circumstance.
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