was not
without its touching effect upon Mrs. von Briest, for she obviously
recalled the experiences of scarcely eighteen years ago. However, the
feeling did not last long. What it had been impossible for her to be,
her daughter now was, in her stead. All things considered, it was just
as well, perhaps even better. For one could live with von Briest, in
spite of the fact that he was a bit prosaic and now and then showed a
slight streak of frivolity. Toward the end of the meal--the ice was
being served--the elderly baronial councillor once more arose to his
feet to propose in a second speech that from now on they should all
address each other by the familiar pronoun "Du." Thereupon he embraced
Innstetten and gave him a kiss on the left cheek. But this was not the
end of the matter for him. On the contrary, he went on to recommend,
in addition to the "Du," a set of more intimate names and titles for
use in the home, seeking to establish a sort of basis for hearty
intercourse, at the same time preserving certain well-earned, and
hence justified, distinctions. For his wife he suggested, as the best
solution of the problem, the continuation of "Mama," for there are
young mamas, as well as old; whereas for himself, he was willing to
forego the honorable title of "Papa," and could not help feeling a
decided preference for the simple name of Briest, if for no other
reason, because it was so beautifully short. "And then as for the
children," he said--at which word he had to give himself a jerk as he
exchanged gazes with Innstetten, who was only about a dozen years his
junior--"well, let Effi just remain Effi, and Geert, Geert. Geert, if
I am not mistaken, signifies a tall and slender trunk, and so Effi may
be the ivy destined to twine about it." At these words the betrothed
couple looked at each other somewhat embarrassed, Effi's face showing
at the same time an expression of childlike mirth, but Mrs. von Briest
said: "Say what you like, Briest, and formulate your toasts to suit
your own taste, but if you will allow me one request, avoid poetic
imagery; it is beyond your sphere." These silencing words were
received by von Briest with more assent than dissent. "It is possible
that you are right, Luise."

Immediately after rising from the table, Effi took leave to pay a
visit over at the pastor's. On the way she said to herself: "I think
Hulda will be vexed. I have got ahead of her after all. She always was
too vain and conceite