and said nothing. Her mind was
firmly made up as to what she should do, but she did not want to say
it herself. She wanted Innstetten to speak the first word and then she
would hesitatingly say, "yes."

Innstetten actually fell into the trap. "Well, Effi, you remain so
calm."

"Ah, Geert, everything has its two sides. On the one hand I shall be
happy to see mother again, and maybe even in a few days. But there are
so many reasons for delaying."

"What are they?"

"Mama, as you know, is very determined and recognizes only her own
will. With papa she has been able to have her way in everything. But I
should like to have an apartment to suit _my_ taste, and new furniture
that _I_ like."

Innstetten laughed. "Is that all?"

"Well, that is enough, I should think. But it is not all." Then she
summoned up her courage, looked at him, and said: "And then, Geert, I
should not like to be separated from you again so soon."

"You rogue, you just say that because you know my weakness. But we are
all vain, and I will believe it. I will believe it and yet, at the
same time, play the hero who foregoes his own desires. Go as soon as
you think it necessary and can justify it before your own heart."

"You must not talk like that, Geert. What do you mean by 'justifying
it before my own heart?' By saying that you force me, half
tyrannically, to assume a role of affection, and I am compelled to
say from sheer coquetry: 'Ah, Geert, then I shall never go.' Or
something of the sort."

Innstetten shook his finger at her. "Effi, you are too clever for me.
I always thought you were a child, and now I see that you are on a par
with all the rest. But enough of that, or, as your papa always said,
'that is too wide a field.' Say, rather, when you are going?"

"Today is Tuesday. Let us say, then, Friday noon by the boat. Then I
shall be in Berlin in the evening."

"Settled. And when will you be back?"

"Well, let us gay Monday evening. That will make three days."

"Impossible. That is too soon. You can't accomplish everything in
three days. Your mama will not let you go so soon, either."

"Then leave it to my discretion."

"All right," and Innstetten arose from his seat to go over to the
district councillor's office.

* * * * *

The days before Effi's departure flew by quickly. Roswitha was very
happy. "Ah, your Ladyship, Kessin, oh yes--but it is not Berlin. And
the street cars. And then when the g