God
only knows what all she was thinking about. But now that his Lordship
could again keep an eye on Annie and see that everything was right,
she herself wanted to try to find out how her Ladyship was getting on.

"That is right, Roswitha."

"And I wanted to see whether your Ladyship lacked anything, and
whether you might need me. If so I would stay right here and pitch in
and do everything and see to it that your Ladyship was getting on well
again."

Effi had been leaning back in the corner of the sofa with her eyes
closed, but suddenly she sat up and said: "Yes, Roswitha, what you
were saying there is an idea, there is something in it. For I must
tell you that I am not going to stay in this boarding house. I have
rented an apartment farther down the street and have bought furniture,
and in three more days I shall move in. And if, when I arrive there, I
could say to you: 'No, Roswitha, not there, the wardrobe must stand
here and the mirror there,' why, that would be worth while, and I
should like it. Then when we got tired of all the drudgery I should
say: 'Now, Roswitha, go over there and get us a decanter of Munich
beer, for when one has been working one is thirsty for a drink, and,
if you can, bring us also something good from the Habsburg Restaurant.
You can return the dishes later.' Yes, Roswitha, when I think of that
it makes my heart feel a great deal lighter. But I must ask you
whether you have thought it all over? I will not speak of Annie, to
whom you are so attached, for she is almost your own child;
nevertheless Annie will be provided for, and Johanna is also attached
to her, you know. So leave her out of the consideration. But if you
want to come to me remember how everything has changed. I am no longer
as I used to be. I have now taken a very small apartment, and the
porter will doubtless pay but little attention to you and me. We shall
have to be very economical, always have what we used to call our
Thursday meal, because that was cleaning day. Do you remember? And do
you remember how good Mr. Gieshuebler once came in and was urged to sit
down with us, and how he said he had never eaten such a delicate dish?
You probably remember he was always so frightfully polite, but really
he was the only human being in the city who was a connoisseur in
matters of eating. The others called everything fine."

Roswitha was enjoying every word and could already see everything
running smoothly, when Effi again said: