Page 66 - BraveNewWorld

66 IDPH

“of saying that I’m not at all pleased with the reports I receive of your behavi-
our outside working hours. You may say that this is not my business. But it
is. I have the good name of the Centre to think of. My workers must be above
suspicion, particularly those of the highest castes. Alphas are so conditioned
that they do not have to be infantile in their emotional behaviour. But that is
all the more reason for their making a special effort to conform. lt is their duty
to be infantile, even against their inclination. And so, Mr. Marx, I give you fair
warning.” The Director’s voice vibrated with an indignation that had now be-
come wholly righteous and impersonal-was the expression of the disapproval
of Society itself. “If ever I hear again of any lapse from a proper standard of
infantile decorum, I shall ask for your transference to a Sub-Centre-preferably
to Iceland. Good morning.” And swivelling round in his chair, he picked up
his pen and began to write.
“That’ll teach him,” he said to himself. But he was mistaken. For Bernard left
the room with a swagger, exulting, as he banged the door behind him, in the
thought that he stood alone, embattled against the order of things; elated by the
intoxicating consciousness of his individual significance and importance. Even
the thought of persecution left him undismayed, was rather tonic than depres-
sing. He felt strong enough to meet and overcome amiction, strong enough to
face even Iceland. And this confidence was the greater for his not for a moment
really believing that he would be called upon to face anything at all. People
simply weren’t transferred for things like that. Iceland was just a threat. A
most stimulating and life-giving threat. Walking along the corridor, he actually
whistled.
Heroic was the account he gave that evening of his interview with the D.H.C.
“Whereupon,” it concluded, “I simply told him to go to the Bottomless Past and
marched out of the room. And that was that.” He looked at Helmholtz Watson
expectantly, awaiting his due reward of sympathy, encouragement, admiration.
But no word came. Helmholtz sat silent, staring at the floor.

He liked Bernard; he was grateful to him for being the only man of his ac-
quaintance with whom he could talk about the subjects he felt to be important.
Nevertheless, there were things in Bernard which he hated. This boasting, for
example. And the outbursts of an abject self-pity with which it alternated. And
his deplorable habit of being bold after the event, and full, in absence, of the
most extraordinary presence of mind. He hated these things-just because he
liked Bernard. The seconds passed. Helmholtz continued to stare at the floor.
And suddenly Bernard blushed and turned away.

http://www.idph.net