Chapters 18-21 Summary

Effi is relieved when the outings end for the year. With Bismarck not wintering in Varzin, Innstetten can devote time to his family and proposes that with Gieshübler they recap their Italian trip to fix its details in their minds. Such evenings would have continued, had Crampas not decided to produce "One False Step" and cast Effi as Ella. She jumps at the chance for novelty. In two weeks of rehearsal, Crampas is strict with everyone but Effi. Innstetten is proud of her enchanting performance, as he appreciates what he has and is glad she is not like Frau Crampas. Innstetten sees Crampas' good points besides being a womanizer and a gambler. Effi is amazed when he advises against overdoing caution. She recalls Crampas' calling Innstetten a pedagogue.

Christmas Eve is like the previous year except that Innstetten is affectionate...