[For the next few weeks Crampas came regularly every morning to gossip
a while with Effi on the veranda and then ride horseback with her
husband. Finally she desired to ride with them and, although
Innstetten did not approve of the idea, Crampas secured a horse for
her. On one of their rides Crampas let fall a remark about how it
bored him to have to observe such a multitude of petty laws. Effi
applauded the sentiment. Innstetten took the Major to task and
reminded him that one of his frivolous escapades had cost him an arm.
When the election campaign began Innstetten; could no longer take the
time for the horseback rides, and so Effi went out with Crampas,
accompanied by two lackeys. One day, while riding slowly through the
woods, Crampas spoke at length of Innstetten's character, telling how
in earlier life the councillor was more respected than loved, how he
had a mystical tendency and was inclined to make sport of his
comrades. He referred also to Innstetten's fondness for ghost
stories, which led Effi to tell her experience with the Chinaman.
Crampas said that because of an unusual ambition Innstetten had to
have an unusual residence; hence the haunted house. He further
poisoned Effi's mind by telling her that her husband was a born
pedagogue and in the education of his wife was employing the haunted
house in accordance with a definite pedagogical plan.]