nd I wonder what ever became of the poor baby? I don't think it is
still living; they had it killed, but I am to blame." She threw
herself down by Annie's cradle, and rocked the child and sang her
favorite lullaby over and over again without stopping.

"Stop," said Effi, "don't sing any more; I have a headache. Bring in
the newspapers. Or has Gieshuebler sent the journals?"

"He did, and the fashion paper was on top. We were turning over the
leaves, Johanna and I, before she went across the street. Johanna
always gets angry that she cannot have such things. Shall I fetch the
fashion paper?"

"Yes, fetch it and bring me the lamp, too."

Roswitha went out and when Effi was alone she said: "What things they
do have to help one out! One pretty woman with a muff and another with
a half veil--fashion puppets. But it is the best thing for turning my
thoughts in some other direction."

In the course of the following morning a telegram came from
Innstetten, in which he said he would come by the second train, which
meant that he would not arrive in Kessin before evening. The day
proved one of never ending restlessness. Fortunately Gieshuebler came
in the afternoon and helped pass an hour. Finally, at seven o'clock,
the carriage drove up. Effi went out and greeted her husband.
Innstetten was in a state of excitement that was unusual for him and
so it came about that he did not notice the embarrassment mingled with
Effi's heartiness. In the hall the lamps and candles were burning, and
the tea service, which Frederick had placed on one of the tables
between the cabinets, reflected the brilliant light.

"Why, this looks exactly as it did when we first arrived here. Do you
remember, Effi?"

She nodded.

"Only the shark with his fir bough behaves more calmly today, and even
Rollo pretends to be reticent and does not put his paws on my
shoulders. What is the matter with you, Rollo?"

Rollo rubbed past his master and wagged his tail.

"He is not exactly satisfied; either it is with me or with others.
Well, I'll assume, with me. At all events let us go in." He entered
his room and as he sat down on the sofa asked Effi to take a seat
beside him. "It was so fine in Berlin, beyond expectation, but in the
midst of all my pleasure I always felt a longing to be back. And how
well you look! A little bit pale and also a little bit changed, but it
is all becoming to you."

Effi turned red.

"And now you even turn red. But it is as