* * * * *
"It is a hot place you have picked out," said Effi, "much too hot. And if you are not cautious you may have a sun-stroke."
"That would be a blessing."
"How so?"
"Then I should be out of the world."
"I don't think you ought to say that, even if you had bad luck or lost a dear friend. I presume you loved her very dearly?"
"I? Her? Oh, heaven forbid!"
"You are very sad, however, and there must be some cause."
"There is, too, your Ladyship."
"Do you know me?"