essence all it means is that, as the accused, you have to report to the judge from time to time.” Even while the painter was speaking those last words K.

had laid his coat over his arm and had stood up. Immediately, from outside the door, there was a cry of 'He's standing up now!'. “Are you leaving already?” asked the painter, who had also stood up. “It must be the air that's driving you out. I'm very sorry about that. There's still a lot I need to tell you. I had to put everything very briefly but I hope at least it was all clear.” “Oh yes,” said K., whose head was aching from the effort of listening. Despite this affirmation the painter summed it all up once more, as if he wanted to give K. something to console him on his way home. “Both have in common that they prevent