“Do forgive me, I didn't notice you there at all.” Then he then said to his carer, “Leni, go,” stretching his hand out to her as if this were a farewell that would have to last for a long time. This time the girl offered no resistance. “So you,” he finally said to K.'s uncle, who had also calmed down and stepped closer, “you haven't come to visit me because I'm ill but you've come on business.” The lawyer now looked so much stronger that it seemed the idea of being visited because he was ill had somehow made him weak, he remained supporting himself of one elbow, which must have been rather tiring, and continually pulled at a lock of hair in the middle of his beard.

“You already look much better,” said K.'s uncle, “now that that witch has gone outside.