Tonight we have a New Year's eve ball,
and Gieshuebler, the only amiable man here, in spite of the fact
that he has one shoulder higher than the other, or, to tell the
truth, has even a greater deformity--Gieshuebler has sent me
some camelias. Perhaps I shall dance after all. Our doctor says
it would not hurt me; on the contrary. Innstetten has also
given his consent, which almost surprised me. And now remember
me to papa and kiss him for me, and all the other dear friends.
Happy New Year!
Your Effi."
CHAPTER XIII
The New Year's eve ball lasted till the early morning and Effi was
generously admired, not quite so unhesitatingly, to be sure, as the
bouquet of camelias, which was known to have come from Gieshuebler's
greenhouse. After the ball everybody fell back into the same old
routine, and hardly any attempt was made to establish closer social
relations. Hence the winter seemed very long. Visits from the noble
families of the neighborhood were rare, and when Effi was reminded of
her duty to return the visits she always remarked in a half-sorrowful
tone: "Yes, Geert, if it is absolutely necessary, but I shall be bored
to death." Innstetten never disputed the statement. What was said,
during these afternoon calls, about families, children, and
agriculture, was bearable, but when church questions were discussed
and the pastors present were treated like little popes, even looked
upon themselves as such, then Effi lost her patience and her mind
wandered sadly back to Niemeyer, who was always modest and
unpretentious, in spite of the fact that on every important occasion
it was said he had the stuff in him to be called to the cathedral.
Pages:
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399