Page 91 - the-trial

fulfil it even though he had promised to observe whatever
stipulations she might make. The letters were not returned,
but there was no answer either. However, on the follow-
ing Sunday there was a sign that seemed clear enough. It
was still early when K. noticed, through the keyhole, that
there was an unusual level of activity in the hallway which
soon abated. A French teacher, although she was German
and called Montag, a pale and febrile girl with a slight limp
who had previously occupied a room of her own, was mov-
ing into Miss Burstner’s room. She could be seen shuffling
through the hallway for several hours, there was always an-
other piece of clothing or a blanket or a book that she had
forgotten and had to be fetched specially and brought into
the new home.
When Mrs. Grubach brought K. his breakfast ever since
the time when she had made K. so cross she didn’t trust
the maid to do the slightest job he had no choice but to
speak to her, for the first time in five days. “Why is there so
much noise in the hallway today?” he asked as she poured
his coffee out, “Can’t something be done about it? Does this
clearing out have to be done on a Sunday?” K. did not look
up at Mrs. Grubach, but he saw nonetheless that she seemed
to feel some relief as she breathed in. Even sharp questions
like this from Mr. K. she perceived as forgiveness, or as the
beginning of forgiveness. “We’re not clearing anything out,
Mr. K.,” she said, “it’s just that Miss Montag is moving in
with Miss Burstner and is moving her things across.” She
said nothing more, but just waited to see how K. would take
it and whether he would allow her to carry on speaking.

0 The Trial