Page 97 - the-trial

is that although it may be quite right, I consider it advanta-
geous, if the matter is to be made perfectly clear, to give you
an explicit answer. I offered my services in taking on the
task, and after some hesitation my friend conceded. I hope,
however, also to have acted in your interests, as even the
slightest uncertainty in the least significant of matters will
always remain a cause of suffering and if, as in this case, it
can be removed without substantial effort, then it is better
if that is done without delay.” “I thank you,” said K. as soon
as Miss Montag had finished. He stood slowly up, looked at
her, then across the table, then out the window the house
opposite stood there in the sun and went to the door. Miss
Montag followed him a few paces, as if she did not quite
trust him. At the door, however, both of them had to step
back as it opened and Captain Lanz entered. This was the
first time that K. had seen him close up. He was a large man
of about forty with a tanned, fleshy face. He bowed slightly,
intending it also for K., and then went over to Miss Montag
and deferentially kissed her hand. He was very elegant in
the way he moved. The courtesy he showed towards Miss
Montag made a striking contrast with the way she had been
treated by K. Nonetheless, Miss Montag did not seem to be
cross with K. as it even seemed to him that she wanted to
introduce the captain. K. however, did not want to be in-
troduced, he would not have been able to show any sort of
friendliness either to Miss Montag or to the captain, the kiss
on the hand had, for K., bound them into a group which
would keep him at a distance from Miss Burstner whilst at
the same time seeming to be totally harmless and unselfish.

The Trial