Back at the Bloomsbury Centre, the D.H.C. waits with Henry Foster to humiliate Bernard. He plans to publicly confront Bernard in the Fertilizing Room, with its many high-caste workers.
When Bernard arrives, the D.H.C. announces in front of everyone his intention to transfer Bernard to a “Sub-Centre of the lowest order.” The D.H.C. explains that Bernard has “grossly betrayed the trust imposed in him”—and that his unorthodox attitudes and behavior threaten Society.
Bernard responds by bringing in Linda, whose appearance—sagging and discolored with age—horrifies and astonishes the crowd. She immediately recognizes the D.H.C. as her “Tomikin” and tells him that he caused her to have a baby—to be a mother. An “appalling hush” fills the room at the mere mention of this “smutty” word.
When John enters and calls the D.H.C. “my father,” laughter breaks out among the crowd. Completely humiliated, the D.H.C. rushes from the room.
