Page 130 - the-trial

she lay her head quietly on his shoulder. To the rest of it,
though, he said, “What rank is he?” “He’s an examining
judge,” she said, taking hold of the hand with which K. held
her and playing with his fingers. “Just an examining judge
once again,” said K. in disappointment, “the senior officials
keep themselves hidden. But here he is sitting on a throne.”
“That’s all just made up,” said Leni with her face bent over
K.’s hand, “really he’s sitting on a kitchen chair with an old
horse blanket folded over it. But do you have to be always
thinking about your trial?” she added slowly. “No, not at
all,” said K., “I probably even think too little about it.”
“That’s not the mistake you’re making,” said Leni, “you’re
too unyielding, that’s what I’ve heard.” “Who said that?”
asked K., he felt her body against his chest and looked down
on her rich, dark, tightly-bound hair. “I’d be saying too
much if I told you that,” answered Leni. “Please don’t ask for
names, but do stop making these mistakes of yours, stop be-
ing so unyielding, there’s nothing you can do to defend
yourself from this court, you have to confess. So confess to
them as soon as you get the chance. It’s only then that they
give you the chance to get away, not till then. Only, without
help from outside even that’s impossible, but you needn’t
worry about getting this help as I want to help you myself.”
“You understand a lot about this court and what sort of
tricks are needed,” said K. as he lifted her, since she was
pressing in much too close to him, onto his lap. “That’s al-
right, then,” she said, and made herself comfortable on his
lap by smoothing out her skirt and adjusting her blouse.
Then she hung both her arms around his neck, leant back

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