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Fiction

Notes great importance on symbols. A letter from Mr. Brewer had been sent to Bradshaw about
Septimus, detailing his financial security and advanced career post.
It did not detail the crimes to humanity that Septimus pictured he had committed. Bradshaw
took Mrs. Smith to a room nearby and asked if Septimus had spoken of killing himself.
Embarrassed, she replied that he had. Bradshaw reassured her that Septimus needed a long
rest in a country house to regain a sense of proportion. Rezia doubted that Septimus would
agree but Bradshaw responded that it was a case of the law. When they returned to Septimus,
Rezia burst out that he was ill and needed to go to a home. Septimus asked if it was a home
of Dr. Holmes. Though slightly annoyed, Bradshaw assured him that it was a home of his.
Septimus equated Bradshaw with Holmes and with the evil of human nature. Septimus wondered
if he confessed his crimes, would they let him go. But, he could not remember his crimes. As
the couple left, Bradshaw told Rezia he would take care of everything.
Rezia felt angry and deserted. Bradshaw had given them his three-quarters of an hour and he
had prescribed proportion to straighten out Septimus’ delusions as he would for all cases of
the sort. He would make all of London’s unfit share his proper sense of proportion. Yet, as the
narrator explains, there is another side to proportion, termed conversion. A gray line exists
between the two terms. One had to wonder if Bradshaw did not like to impose his will on
others weaker than he. Bradshaw showed his patients that he was in control, and they, often,
broke down in his presence. He then remade them in his likeness.
The Smiths traveled up Harley Street around the same time that Hugh Whitbread passed a
nearby clock. The narrator jumps to Hugh. Hugh was the type to delve into matters superficially.
Still, he had been an honorable member of high society for years. He may not have participated
in any great movements but he had made an impact on many small, important reforms. He
was always impeccably dressed and maintained the best manners. On this day, as with every
visit to Lady Bruton, he brought carnations for the luncheon. Lady Bruton preferred Richard
Dalloway to Hugh. She had invited both to lunch to ask for their services. However, she
thought it best to wait until they had eaten to approach the subject.
The luncheon was elaborate. Richard had a great respect for Lady Bruton, as she was the great
(or great-great) granddaughter of a General. As they neared the serving of coffee, Lady Bruton
abruptly asked about Clarissa. Clarissa doubted that the Lady liked her, and it may have been
true. Lady Bruton cared more for politics than people and thought women caused their husbands
to reject military posts. Suddenly, Lady Bruton mentioned that Peter Walsh was back in town.
She was interested in seeing Richard’s response. Richard thought that, when he returned
home, he would tell Clarissa he loved her.
Lady Bruton wished everyone were “broad and simple.” She had become very involved with
the idea of emigration to Canada, especially for young people. She figured that if Richard
advised her and Hugh wrote to the Times for her, as he could do very well, then her plans
would be activated. She waited until they were smoking and then asked Millie to bring the
papers. When Hugh finished writing, Lady Bruton was so pleased with the letter that she
flung her arms around Hugh and graciously thanked them both. As Richard stood to leave,
he asked whether he would see Lady Bruton at Clarissa’s party. Possibly, she retorted. Lady
Bruton did not like parties. After her guests had left, she retired to her room, feeling proud
and powerful.
Richard and Hugh stood at a street corner, hoping to part but frozen in place. Finally, they
decided to enter a shop. Richard had not cared about Canada and he did not care about the
necklaces Hugh saw in the shop. He then remembered Clarissa and Peter and thought of
buying Clarissa a gift. Soon, however, he was so disgusted by Hugh’s pomposity that he
wished to leave. He did want to buy Clarissa something, though. He bought Clarissa roses

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