Chapter XVII: Amalia's Secret and Chapter XVIII: Amalia's Punishment Summary

Olga tells K. the story about how her family fell into such disrepute. The Castle held a festival one day for the fire department and one of the officials, Sortini (not to be confused with the industrious Sordini who dealt with K.'s case) was there. While the family was looking at a fire engine the Castle had donated to the village, Sortini, evidently fascinated by Amalia, approached her. The family misinterpreted his motion and thought he wanted to speak to all of them and so they all approached, led by the father. Annoyed, he sent them all away. The next day, Amalia sent a vulgar letter from Sortini ordering her to come to the Gentlemen's Inn. The aim of the letter seemed to be to insult...