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all this hard work for? I’m doing it it’s laughable even to say
it I’m doing it for Block. He ought to realise what that means,
too. Did he study without a pause?” “Almost without a
pause,” answered Leni. “Just the once he asked me for a
drink of water, so I gave him a glassful through the window.
Then at eight o’clock I let him out and gave him something
to eat.” Block glanced sideways at K., as if he were being
praised and had to impress K. as well. He now seemed more
optimistic, he moved more freely and rocked back and forth
on his knees. This made his astonishment all the more obvi-
ous when he heard the following words from the lawyer:
“You speak well of him,” said the lawyer, “but that’s just
what makes it difficult for me. You see, the judge did not
speak well of him at all, neither about Block nor about his
case.” “Didn’t speak well of him?” asked Leni. “How is that
possible?” Block looked at her with such tension he seemed
to think that although the judge’s words had been spoken so
long before she would be able to change them in his favour.
“Not at all,” said the lawyer. “In fact he became quite cross
when I started to talk about Block to him. ‘Don’t talk to me
about Block,’ he said. ‘He is my client,’ said I. ‘You’re letting
him abuse you,’ he said. ‘I don’t think his case is lost yet,’
said I. ‘You’re letting him abuse you,’ he repeated. ‘I don’t
think so,’ said I. ‘Block works hard in his case and always
knows where it stands. He practically lives with me so that
he always knows what’s happening. You don’t always find
such enthusiasm as that. He’s not very pleasant personally, I
grant you, his manners are terrible and he’s dirty, but as far
as the trial’s concerned he’s quite immaculate.’ I said im-