With Cousin Dagobert, of course, it was an entirely different matter.
Not only did he have the social grace of the Guards, but also, what is
more, the peculiarly good humor now almost a tradition with the
officers of the Alexander regiment, and this enabled him from the
outset to draw out both the mother and the daughter and keep them in
good spirits to the end of their stay. "Dagobert," said Effi at the
moment of parting, "remember that you are to come to my nuptial-eve
celebration; that you are to bring a cortege goes without saying. But
don't you bring any porter or mousetrap seller. For after the
theatrical performances there will be a ball, and you must take into
consideration that my first grand ball will probably be also my last.
Fewer than six companions--superb dancers, that goes without
saying--will not be approved. And you can return by the early morning
train." Her cousin promised everything she asked and so they bade each
other farewell.
Toward noon the two women arrived at their Havelland station in the
middle of the marsh and after a drive of half an hour were at
Hohen-Cremmen. Von Briest was very happy to have his wife and daughter
at home again, and asked questions upon questions, but in most cases
did not wait for the answers. Instead of that he launched out into a
long account of what he had experienced in the meantime. "A while ago
you were telling me about the National Gallery and the 'Isle of the
Blessed.' Well, while you were away, there was something going on
here, too.
Pages:
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306