Christel is a
very good person, but she doesn't talk, and Frederick is such a
sleepy-head. Besides, he is so cautious and never comes right out with
what he has to say. True, one must be able to hold one's tongue when
necessary, and Mrs. Paaschen, who is so inquisitive, is really not at
all according to my taste. Yet one likes to see and hear something
once in a while."
Effi sighed. "Yes, Johanna, it is better so."
"Your Ladyship has such beautiful hair, so long, and soft as silk."
"Yes, it is very soft. But that is not a good thing, Johanna. As the
hair is, so is the character."
"Certainly, your Ladyship. And a soft character is better than a hard
one. I have soft hair, too."
"Yes, Johanna. And you have blonde hair, too. That the men like best."
"Oh, there is a great difference, your Ladyship. There are many who
prefer black."
"To be sure," laughed Effi, "that has been my experience, too. But it
must be because of something else entirely. Now, those who are blonde
always have a white complexion. You have, too, Johanna, and I would
wager my last pfennig that you have a good deal of attention paid to
you. I am still very young, but I know that much. Besides, I have a
girl friend, who was also so blonde, a regular flaxen blonde, even
blonder than you, and she was a preacher's daughter."
"Oh, yes."
"I beg you, Johanna, what do you mean by 'oh yes?' It sounds very
sarcastic and strange, and you have nothing against preachers'
daughters, have you?--She was a very pretty girl, as even our
officers thought, without exception, for we had officers, red hussars,
too.
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