The dispute would doubtless have gone on longer and might perhaps have led to a first serious misunderstanding if Frederick had not entered to hand her Ladyship a letter.  “From Mr. Gieshuebler.  The messenger is waiting for an answer.”

All the ill-humor on Effi’s countenance vanished immediately.  It did her good merely to hear Gieshuebler’s name, and her cheerful feeling was further heightened when she examined the letter.  In the first place it was not a letter at all, but a note, the address “Madame the Baroness von Innstetten, nee Briest,” in a beautiful court hand, and instead of a seal a little round picture pasted on, a lyre with a staff sticking in it.  But the staff might also be an arrow.  She handed the note to her husband, who likewise admired it.

“Now read it.”

Effi broke open the wafer and read:  “Most highly esteemed Lady, most gracious Baroness:  Permit me to join to my most respectful forenoon greeting a most humble request.  By the noon train a dear friend of mine for many years past, a daughter of our good city of Kessin, Miss Marietta Trippelli, will arrive here to sojourn in our midst till tomorrow morning.  On the 17th she expects to be in St. Petersburg, where she will give concerts till the middle of January.  Prince Kotschukoff is again opening his hospitable house to her.  In her immutable kindness to me, Miss Trippelli has promised to spend this evening at my house and sing some songs, leaving the choice entirely to me, for she knows no such thing as difficulty.  Could Madame the Baroness consent to attend this soiree musicale, at seven o’clock?  Your husband, upon whose appearance I count with certainty, will support my most humble request.  The only other guests are Pastor Lindequist, who will accompany, and the widow Trippel, of course.  Your most obedient servant.  A. Gieshuebler.”

“Well,” said Innstetten, “yes or no?”

“Yes, of course.  That will pull me through.  Besides, I cannot decline my dear Gieshuebler’s very first invitation.”

“Agreed.  So, Frederick, tell Mirambo, for I take it for granted he brought the letter, that we shall have the honor.”

Frederick went out.  When he was gone Effi asked:  “Who is Mirambo?”

“The genuine Mirambo is a robber chief in Africa,—­Lake Tanganyika, if your geography extends that far—­but ours is merely Gieshuebler’s charcoal dispenser and factotum, and will this evening, in all probability, serve as a waiter in dress coat and cotton gloves.”

It was quite apparent that the little incident had had a favorable effect on Effi and had restored to her a good share of her light-heartedness.  But Innstetten wished to do what he could to hasten the convalescence.  “I am glad you said yes, so quickly and without hesitation, and now I should like to make a further proposal to you to restore you entirely to your normal condition.  I see plainly, you are still annoyed by something from last night