acquaintances? Have the Borckes won the victory over the
Grasenabbs, or vice versa, or do you side with old Mr. Gueldenklee?
What he said about Eugenie made a very noble and pure impression,
don't you think so?"

"Aha, behold! Sir Geert von Innstetten is a gossip. I am learning to
know you from an entirely new side."

"And if our nobility will not do," continued Innstetten, without
allowing himself to be interrupted, "what do you think of the city
officials of Kessin? What do you think of the club? After all, life
and death depend upon your answer. Recently I saw you talking with our
judge, who is a lieutenant of the reserves, a neat little man that one
might perhaps get along with, if he could only rid himself of the
notion that he accomplished the recapture of Le Bourget by attacking
him on the flank. And his wife! She is considered our best Boston
player and has, besides, the prettiest counters. So once more, Effi,
how is it going to be in Kessin? Will you become accustomed to the
place? Will you be popular and assure me a majority when I want to go
to the Imperial Diet? Or do you favor a life of seclusion, holding
yourself aloof from the people of Kessin, in the city as well as in
the country?"

"I shall probably decide in favor of a secluded life, unless the
Apothecary at the sign of the Moor draws me out. To be sure, that will
make me fall still lower in Sidonie's estimation, but I shall have to
take the risk. This fight will simply have to be fought. I shall stand
or fall with Gieshuebler. It sounds rather comical, but he is actually
the only person with whom it is possible to carry on a conversation,
the only real human being here."

"That he is," said Innstetten. "How well you choose!"

"Should I have _you_ otherwise?" said Effi and leaned upon his arm.

That was on the 2d of December. A week later Bismarck was in Varzin,
and Innstetten now knew that until Christmas, and perhaps even for a
longer time, quiet days for him were not to be thought of. The Prince
had cherished a fondness for him ever since the days in Versailles,
and would often invite him to dinner, along with other guests, but
also alone, for the youthful district councillor, distinguished alike
for his bearing and his wisdom, enjoyed the favor of the Princess
also.

The first invitation came for the 14th. As there was snow on the
ground Innstetten planned to take a sleigh for the two hours' drive to
the station, from which he had anothe