Chapters 9-12 Summary

Innstetten gives Effi half a week to settle and write home before scheduling visits to the landed aristocracy. Several say she is "infected with rationalism," and the Grasenabbs, led by old maid Sidonie, declare Effi at least a deist if not an atheist. The visits end on 2 December, with Güldenklee. Effi complains that her husband is "frosty as a snowman." Innstetten promises to try harder and hopes she can become well liked to help his political fortunes. Effi says that only Gieshübler can prevent her becoming a hermit, and that will lower her further in Sidonie's estimation. Innstetten observes that Effi is very discriminating.

When Bismarck invites Innstetten to Varzin, Effi faces their first long separation. She writes Mamma and settles to read something at random. Hitting upon the Hermitage's painting of the "White Lady," of whom she has...