Page 37 - the-trial

but without changing her manner she said, “Forgive me, but
it was the suddenness of the knocking that startled me so
much, not so much what the consequences of the captain
being here might be. It was all so quiet after you’d shout-
ed, and then there was the knocking, that’s was made me
so shocked, and I was sitting right by the door, the knock-
ing was right next to me. Thank you for your suggestions,
but I won’t accept them. I can bear the responsibility for
anything that happens in my room myself, and I can do so
with anyone. I’m surprised you don’t realise just how in-
sulting your suggestions are and what they imply about me,
although I certainly acknowledge your good intentions. But
now, please go, leave me alone, I need you to go now even
more than I did earlier. The couple of minutes you asked for
have grown into half an hour, more than half an hour now.”
K. took hold of her hand, and then of her wrist, “You’re not
cross with me, though?” he said. She pulled her hand away
and answered, “No, no, I’m never cross with anyone.” He
grasped her wrist once more, she tolerated it now and, in
that way, lead him to the door. He had fully intended to
leave. But when he reached the door he came to a halt as if
he hadn’t expected to find a door there, Miss Burstner made
use of that moment to get herself free, open the door, slip
out into the hallway and gently say to K. from there, “Now,
come along, please. Look,” she pointed to the captain’s door,
from under which there was a light shining, “he’s put a light
on and he’s laughing at us.” “Alright, I’m coming,” said K.,
moved forward, took hold of her, kissed her on the mouth
and then over her whole face like a thirsty animal lapping

The Trial