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would be not to take him to the sick room but get him out
of the offices altogether.” “That’s right,” exclaimed K., with
such joy that he nearly interrupted what the man was say-
ing, “I’m sure that’ll make me feel better straight away, I’m
really not that weak, all I need is a little support under my
arms, I won’t cause you much trouble, it’s not such a long
way anyway, lead me to the door and then I’ll sit on the
stairs for a while and soon recover, as I don’t suffer from at-
tacks like this at all, I’m surprised at it myself. I also work
in an office and I’m quite used to office air, but here it seems
to be too strong, you’ve said so yourselves. So please, be so
kind as to help me on my way a little, I’m feeling dizzy, you
see, and it’ll make me ill if I stand up by myself.” And with
that he raised his shoulders to make it easier for the two of
them to take him by the arms.
The man, however, didn’t follow this suggestion but just
stood there with his hands in his trouser pockets and
laughed out loud. “There, you see,” he said to the girl, “I was
quite right. The gentleman is only unwell here, and not in
general.” The young woman smiled too, but lightly tapped
the man’s arm with the tips of her fingers as if he had al-
lowed himself too much fun with K. “So what do you think,
then?” said the man, still laughing, “I really do want to lead
the gentleman out of here.” “That’s alright, then,” said the
girl, briefly inclining her charming head. “Don’t worry too
much about him laughing,” said the girl to K., who had be-
come unhappy once more and stared quietly in front of
himself as if needing no further explanation. “This gentle-
man may I introduce you?” (the man gave his permission