K. reflects that it will be easy to get Frieda back, as she is easily influenced and will probably show remorse.

K. calls Jeremias back, flattering him and telling him he wants them to be honest with each other from now on. However, Jeremias wants nothing to do with K. now that he is no longer his assistant. K. replies that this change is not yet official and issues Jeremias with a strong threat if he does not do his duty. Jeremias expresses his fondness for Frieda and describes their complicity in the face of K.’s betrayal of her.

Barnabas arrives but dashes K.’s hopes that he has delivered the note to Klamm. Instead, he carries a message from Erlanger, one of Klamm’s first secretaries, requesting a meeting with K. at the Gentlemen’s Inn. Jeremias rushes off at this news, but K. catches up with him.

At the Inn, K. finds the coachman Gerstäcker outside, along with many others waiting for a meeting with Erlanger. Eventually, Momus calls K. and Gerstäcker in, but Jeremias slips through the door first. Momus comments that K. should have answered his questions before; now Momus has no need of his answers.