The two housemaids were already in bed, for it was nearly
midnight.
Innstetten put on his short house coat and morocco slippers, and began
to walk up and down in the room; Effi was still dressed in her society
gown, and her fan and gloves lay beside her.
"Now," said Innstetten, standing still, "we really ought to celebrate
this day, but I don't know as yet how. Shall I play you a triumphal
march, or set the shark going out there, or carry you in triumph
across the hall? Something must be done, for I would have you know,
this visit today was the last one."
"Thank heaven, if it was," said Effi. "But the feeling that we now
have peace and quiet is, I think, celebration enough in itself. Only
you might give me a kiss. But that doesn't occur to you. On that whole
long road not a touch, frosty as a snow-man. And never a thing but
your cigar."
"Forget that, I am going to reform, but at present I merely want to
know your attitude toward this whole question of friendly relations
and social intercourse. Do you feel drawn to one or another of these
new acquaintances? Have the Borckes won the victory over the
Grasenabbs, or vice versa, or do you side with old Mr. Gueldenklee?
What he said about Eugenie made a very noble and pure impression,
don't you think so?"
"Aha, behold! Sir Geert von Innstetten is a gossip. I am learning to
know you from an entirely new side."
"And if our nobility will not do," continued Innstetten, without
allowing himself to be interrupted, "what do you think of the city
officials of Kessin? What do you think of the club? After all, life
and death depend upon your answer.
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