  We present high-resolution infrared imaging of the massive star-forming
region around the O-star Herschel 36. Special emphasis is given to a compact
infrared source at 0".25 southeast of the star. The infrared source, hereafter
Her 36 SE, is extended in the broad-band images, but features spatially
unresolved Br gamma line emission. The line-emission source coincides in
position with the previous HST detections in H alpha and the 2 cm radio
continuum emission detected by VLA interferometry. We propose that the infrared
source Her 36 SE harbors an early B-type star, deeply embedded in a dusty
cloud. The fan shape of the cloud with Herschel 36 at its apex, though,
manifests direct and ongoing destructive influence of the O7V star on Her 36
SE.
