Effi cut open the envelope and read:  “My dear Effi:  For the last twenty-four hours I have been here in Berlin—­Consultations with Schweigger.  As soon as he saw me he congratulated me, and when I asked him, astonished, what occasion there was, I learned that a director of a ministerial department by the name of Wuellersdorf had just been at his office and told him that Innstetten had been called to a position with the ministry.  I am a little vexed to have to learn a thing like that from a third person.  But in my pride and joy I forgive you.  Moreover, I always knew, even when I was at Rathenow, that he would make something of himself.  Now you are to profit by it.  Of course you must have an apartment and new furniture.  If, my dear Effi, you think you can make use of my advice, come as soon as your time will permit.  I shall remain here a week for treatment, and if it is not effective, perhaps somewhat longer.  Schweigger is rather indefinite on the subject.  I have taken a private room on Schadow St. Adjoining my room there are others vacant.  What the matter is with my eye I will tell you when I see you.  The thing that occupies me at present is your future.  Briest will be unspeakably happy.  He always pretends to be so indifferent about such things, but in reality he thinks more of them than I do.  My regards to Innstetten, and a kiss for Annie, whom you will perhaps bring along.  As ever your tenderly loving mother, Louise von B.”

Effi laid the letter on the table and said nothing.  Her mind was firmly made up as to what she should do, but she did not want to say it herself.  She wanted Innstetten to speak the first word and then she would hesitatingly say, “yes.”

Innstetten actually fell into the trap.  “Well, Effi, you remain so calm.”

“Ah, Geert, everything has its two sides.  On the one hand I shall be happy to see mother again, and maybe even in a few days.  But there are so many reasons for delaying.”

“What are they?”

“Mama, as you know, is very determined and recognizes only her own will.  With papa she has been able to have her way in everything.  But I should like to have an apartment to suit my taste, and new furniture that I like.”

Innstetten laughed.  “Is that all?”

“Well, that is enough, I should think.  But it is not all.”  Then she summoned up her courage, looked at him, and said:  “And then, Geert, I should not like to be separated from you again so soon.”

“You rogue, you just say that because you know my weakness.  But we are all vain, and I will believe it.  I will believe it and yet, at the same time, play the hero who foregoes his own desires.  Go as soon as you think it necessary and can justify it before your own heart.”

“You must not talk like that, Geert.  What do you mean by ’justifying it before my own heart?’ By saying that you force me, half tyrannically, to assume a role of affection, and I am compelled to say from sheer coquetry:  ‘Ah, Geert, then I shall never go.’  Or something of the sort.”