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around him, but with a certain dignity, he did. “The office
director oh, yes, forgive me, I haven’t introduced you this is
my friend Albert K., this is his nephew, the chief clerk Josef
K., and this is the office director so, the office director was
kind enough to pay me a visit. It’s only possible to appreci-
ate just how valuable a visit like this is if you’ve been let into
the secret of what a pile of work the office director has
heaped over him. Well, he came anyway, we were having a
peaceful chat, as far as I was able when I’m so weak, and al-
though we hadn’t told Leni she mustn’t let anyone in as we
weren’t expecting anyone, we still would rather have re-
mained alone, but then along came you, Albert, thumping
your fists on the door, the office director moved over into
the corner pulling his table and chair with him, but now it
turns out we might have, that is, if that’s what you wish, we
might have something to discuss with each other and it
would be good if we can all come back together again. Of-
fice director … , “ he said with his head on one side, pointing
with a humble smile to an armchair near the bed. “I’m
afraid I’ll only be able to stay a few minutes more,” smiled
the office director as he spread himself out in the armchair
and looked at the clock. “Business calls. But I wouldn’t want
to miss the chance of meeting a friend of my friend.” He in-
clined his head slightly toward K.’s uncle, who seemed very
happy with his new acquaintance, but he was not the sort of
person to express his feelings of deference and responded to
the office director’s words with embarrassed, but loud,
laughter. A horrible sight! K. was able to quietly watch ev-
erything as nobody paid any attention to him, the office

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