‘What block is she in? I’d like to visit her.’

‘At first she was in number 9, but last week they moved her to number 7. The nurse said it was for less serious cases. I myself can’t tell the difference. They’re all poor sick creatures.’

Gurdweill decided to go straight to Steinhof, and said goodbye to the old lady, who advised him in parting to say that he was a relation of her daughter’s — for otherwise they would not let him in.

He went to call the office. And just as he was thinking that it would be better if someone else phoned — Ulrich, for example — he bumped into his friend Ulrich outside the public telephone booth.

Ulrich had lost his job a few weeks earlier and spent his time wandering about the city, sitting in cafés, and occasionally writing a poem. For the time being he was eating at his uncle’s and he had not yet felt the pinch. He was always elegantly dressed and usually in high spirits.

‘So you’re not going to work — why not?’

‘As far as Dr Kreindel’s concerned, because I don’t feel well. As far as you’re concerned — because I don’t feel like it. In any case I have to go to Steinhof. Why don’t you come with me?’

‘Of my own free will? Not a chance! Who have you got there?’

‘A girl I know. I’ve just heard that she’s there. And where are you off to?’

‘Herrenhof. I haven’t read the paper yet today. Why don’t you join me there afterwards?’

‘I won’t be back before five. It’s a long way.’

‘Don’t worry. I’ll still be there.’