Page 118 - women-in-love

and such a thing, and had said so-and-so to the PM.
Now Hermione came round the bushes with Gerald
Crich. He had come along with Alexander. Gerald was
presented to everybody, was kept by Hermione for a few
moments in full view, then he was led away, still by Hermi-
one. He was evidently her guest of the moment.
There had been a split in the Cabinet; the minister for
Education had resigned owing to adverse criticism. This
started a conversation on education.
‘Of course,’ said Hermione, lifting her face like a rhapso-
dist, ‘there CAN be no reason, no EXCUSE for education,
except the joy and beauty of knowledge in itself.’ She seemed
to rumble and ruminate with subterranean thoughts for a
minute, then she proceeded: ‘Vocational education ISN’T
education, it is the close of education.’
Gerald, on the brink of discussion, sniffed the air with
delight and prepared for action.
‘Not necessarily,’ he said. ‘But isn’t education really like
gymnastics, isn’t the end of education the production of a
well-trained, vigorous, energetic mind?’
‘Just as athletics produce a healthy body, ready for any-
thing,’ cried Miss Bradley, in hearty accord.
Gudrun looked at her in silent loathing.
‘Well—‘ rumbled Hermione, ‘I don’t know. To me the
pleasure of knowing is so great, so WONDERFUL—nothing
has meant so much to me in all life, as certain knowledge—
no, I am sure—nothing.’
‘What knowledge, for example, Hermione?’ asked Alex-
ander.

118 Women in Love