"
"Oh, yes I do," said Effi; but Rummschuettel, not allowing himself to
be interrupted, continued: "Please, most gracious Lady, step here just
for a moment, or allow me to escort you to the window. Simply
magnificent again today! Just see the various railroad embankments,
three, no, four, and how the trains glide back and forth continually,
and now that train yonder disappears again behind a group of trees.
Really magnificent! And how the sun shines through the white smoke! If
St. Matthew's Churchyard were not immediately behind it it would be
ideal."
"I like to look at churchyards."
"Yes, you dare say that. But how about us? We physicians are
unavoidably confronted with the question, might there, perhaps, not
have been some fewer graves here? However, most gracious Lady, I am
satisfied with you and my only complaint is that you will not listen
to anything about Ems. For your catarrhal affections--"
Effi remained silent.
"Ems would work miracles. But as you don't care to go there--and I
understand your reasons--drink the water here. In three minutes you
can be in the Prince Albrecht Garden, and even if the music and the
costumes and all the diversions of a regular watering-place promenade
are lacking, the water itself, you know, is the important thing."
Effi was agreed, and Rummschuettel took his hat and cane, but stepped
once more to the window. "I hear people talking about a plan to
terrace the Hill of the Holy Cross. God bless the city government!
Once that bare spot yonder is greener--A charming apartment! I could
almost envy you--By the way, gracious Lady, I have been wanting for a
long time to say to you, you always write me such a lovely letter.
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