great window, which was thus made almost inaccessible. The table was already laid for a large number of people, as on Sundays almost all the tenants ate their dinner here at midday.

When K. entered, Miss Montag came towards him from the window along one side of the table. They greeted each other in silence. Then Miss Montag, her head unusually erect as always, said, “I'm not sure whether you know me.” K. looked at her with a frown. “Of course I do,” he said, “you've been living here with Mrs.

Grubach for quite some time now.” “But I get the impression you don't pay much attention to what's going on in the lodging house,” said Miss Montag. “No,” said K. “Would you not like to sit down?” said Miss Montag.