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objection. He then continued, “And besides, you’re quite
right in your comment that I’m a trustee of the court.” He
made a pause, as if wanting to give K. the time to come to
terms with this fact. The girls could once more be heard
from behind the door. They were probably pressed around
the keyhole, perhaps they could even see into the room
through the gaps in the planks. K. forewent the opportunity
to excuse himself in some way as he did not wish to distract
the painter from what he was saying, or else perhaps he
didn’t want him to get too far above himself and in this way
make himself to some extent unattainable, so he asked, “Is
that a publicly acknowledged position?” “No,” was the
painter’s curt reply, as if the question prevented him saying
any more. But K. wanted him to continue speaking and
said, “Well, positions like that, that aren’t officially acknowl-
edged, can often have more influence than those that are.”
“And that’s how it is with me,” said the painter, and nodded
with a frown. “I was talking about your case with the manu-
facturer yesterday, and he asked me if I wouldn’t like to help
you, and I answered: ‘He can come and see me if he likes’,
and now I’m pleased to see you here so soon. This business
seems to be quite important to you, and, of course, I’m not
surprised at that. Would you not like to take your coat off
now?” K. had intended to stay for only a very short time, but
the painter’s invitation was nonetheless very welcome. The
air in the room had slowly become quite oppressive for him,
he had several times looked in amazement at a small, iron
stove in the corner that certainly could not have been lit, the
heat of the room was inexplicable. As he took off his winter

1 The Trial