Превращение

           ”“Onthecontrary”,saidthemiddlegentleman,“wouldtheyoungladynotliketocomeinandplayforushereintheroom,whereitis,afterall,muchmorecosyandcomfortable?”“Ohyes,we’dloveto”,calledbackGregor’sfatherasifhehadbeentheviolinplayerhimself.Thegentlemensteppedbackintotheroomandwaited.Gregor’sfathersoonappearedwiththemusicstand,hismotherwiththemusicandhissisterwiththeviolin.Shecalmlypreparedeverythingforhertobeginplaying;hisparents,whohadneverrentedaroomoutbeforeandthereforeshowedanexaggeratedcourtesytowardsthethreegentlemen,didnotevendaretositontheirownchairs;hisfatherleantagainstthedoorwithhisrighthandpushedinbetweentwobuttonsonhisuniformcoat;hismother,though,wasofferedaseatbyoneofthegentlemenandsat—leavingthechairwherethegentlemanhappenedtohaveplacedit—outofthewayinacorner.

           Hissisterbegantoplay;fatherandmotherpaidcloseattention,oneoneachside,tothemovementsofherhands.Drawninbytheplaying,Gregorhaddaredtocomeforwardalittleandalreadyhadhisheadinthelivingroom.Before,hehadtakengreatprideinhowconsideratehewasbutnowithardlyoccurredtohimthathehadbecomesothoughtlessabouttheothers.