Page 61 - the-trial

few books laying on it. “Can I have a look at those books?”
asked K., not because he was especially curious but so that
he would not have come for nothing. “No,” said the woman
as she re-closed the door, “that’s not allowed. Those books
belong to the examining judge.” “I see,” said K., and nod-
ded, “those books must be law books, and that’s how this
court does things, not only to try people who are innocent
but even to try them without letting them know what’s go-
ing on.” “I expect you’re right,” said the woman, who had
not understood exactly what he meant. “I’d better go away
again, then,” said K. “Should I give a message to the exam-
ining judge?” asked the woman. “Do you know him, then?”
asked K. “Of course I know him,” said the woman, “my hus-
band is the court usher.” It was only now that K. noticed
that the room, which before had held nothing but a wash-
tub, had been fitted out as a living room. The woman saw
how surprised he was and said, “Yes, we’re allowed to live
here as we like, only we have to clear the room out when the
court’s in session. There’s lots of disadvantages to my hus-
band’s job.” “It’s not so much the room that surprises me,”
said K., looking at her crossly, “it’s your being married that
shocks me.” “Are you thinking about what happened last
time the court was in session, when I disturbed what you
were saying?” asked the woman. “Of course,” said K., “it’s in
the past now and I’ve nearly forgotten about it, but at the
time it made me furious. And now you tell me yourself that
you are a married woman.” “It wasn’t any disadvantage for
you to have your speech interrupted. The way they talked
about you after you’d gone was really bad.” “That could well

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