on the other hand, though I was only three times with Klamm—after that he never asked me to come again, I don’t know why—I managed to bring three presents back with me all the same, having a premonition that my time would be short. Of course one must make a point of it, Klamm gives nothing of himself, but if one sees something one likes lying about there, one can get it out of him.”
K. felt uncomfortable listening to these tales, much as they interested him. “How long ago was all that, then?” he asked with a sigh.
“Over twenty years ago,” replied the landlady, “considerably over twenty years.”
“So one remains faithful to Klamm as long as that,” said K. “But are you aware, madam, that these stories give me grave alarm when I think of my future married life?”
The landlady seemed to consider this intrusion of his own affairs unseasonable and gave him an angry sidelook.
“Don’t be angry, madam,” said