Effi folded the letter and put it back into the envelope.
"That is a very pretty letter," said Mrs. von Briest, "and that it observes due moderation throughout is a further merit."
"Yes, due moderation it surely does observe."
"My dear Effi, let me ask a question. Do you wish that the letter did not observe due moderation? Do you wish that it were more affectionate, perhaps gushingly affectionate?"
"No, no, mama. Honestly and truly no, I do not wish that. So it is better as it is."
"So it is better as it is. There you go again. You are so queer. And by the by, a moment ago you were weeping. Is something troubling you? It is not yet too late. Don't you love Geert?"
"Why shouldn't I love him? I love Hulda, and I love Bertha, and I love Hertha. And I love old Mr. Niemeyer, too. And that I love you and papa I don't even need to mention. I love all who mean well by me and are kind to me and humor me. No doubt Geert will humor me, too. To be sure, in his own way. You see he is already thinking of giving me jewelry in Venice. He hasn't the faintest suspicion that I care nothing for jewelry. I care more for climbing and swinging and am always happiest when I expect every moment that something will give way or break and cause me to tumble. It will not cost me my head the first time, you know."
"And perhaps you also love your Cousin von Briest?"
"Yes, very much. He always cheers me."
"And would you have liked to marry Cousin von Briest?"