“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.  Recently I saw you talking with our judge, who is a lieutenant of the reserves, a neat little man that one might perhaps get along with, if he could only rid himself of the notion that he accomplished the recapture of Le Bourget by attacking him on the flank.  And his wife!  She is considered our best Boston player and has, besides, the prettiest counters.  So once more, Effi, how is it going to be in Kessin?  Will you become accustomed to the place?  Will you be popular and assure me a majority when I want to go to the Imperial Diet?  Or do you favor a life of seclusion, holding yourself aloof from the people of Kessin, in the city as well as in the country?”

“I shall probably decide in favor of a secluded life, unless the Apothecary at the sign of the Moor draws me out.  To be sure, that will make me fall still lower in Sidonie’s estimation, but I shall have to take the risk.  This fight will simply have to be fought.  I shall stand or fall with Gieshuebler.  It sounds rather comical, but he is actually the only person with whom it is possible to carry on a conversation, the only real human being here.”

“That he is,” said Innstetten.  “How well you choose!”

“Should I have you otherwise?” said Effi and leaned upon his arm.

That was on the 2d of December.  A week later Bismarck was in Varzin, and Innstetten now knew that until Christmas, and perhaps even for a longer time, quiet days for him were not to be thought of.  The Prince had cherished a fondness for him ever since the days in Versailles, and would often invite him to dinner, along with other guests, but also alone, for the youthful district councillor, distinguished alike for his bearing and his wisdom, enjoyed the favor of the Princess also.

The first invitation came for the 14th.  As there was snow on the ground Innstetten planned to take a sleigh for the two hours’ drive to the station, from which he had another hour’s ride by train.  “Don’t wait for me, Effi.  I can’t be back before midnight; it will probably be two o’clock or even later.  But I’ll not disturb you.  Good-by, I’ll see you in the morning.”  With that he climbed into the sleigh and away the Isabella-colored span flew through the city and across the country toward the station.