About this deal
They’re not a bad lot all in all,’ replied Miss Prendergast enthusiastically, ‘but perhaps not all quite as well-behaved as Melanie.’ By your own admission, you have engaged in a certain amount of minor mischief during the term which has gone unnoticed or unpunished. As a result you have volunteered to receive two strokes of the cane after which the school will consider the matter over and done with. That is, of course, unless we subsequently discover something more serious in which case you know the punishment could be rather severe. Do youagree?’ But no, I am not going to cane you; or strap you; or slipper you; or put you over my knee and spank you.’ Still no response, though Miss Svenson detected a definite reddening of the girl’s complexion.
Well Miss Roberts, that sounds like a pretty good report to me,’ said Miss Svenson. ‘But do you have anything toadd?’
Jo stood up and rubbed himself ruefully. Then the cheerful smile returned as he said ‘Thank you Miss. Will that beall?’ The school girl looked a little perplexed by this question, then replied ‘I went with the hare and hounds.’ I’m still waiting for an answer to my question,’ continued Miss Svenson, ‘Where did you go this afternoon?’ Fine I think,’ the little girl replied a little nervously as she took her place on the chair and glanced at the Class teacher.
Well, I cannot agree with that. You should understand that pupils have no authority here. It is the staff who must be obeyed. Anyway boy, after what your teacher has said, tell me what you expect fromme.’ Rebecca opened her mouth to speak and Mercedes looked at her and shook her head. Mercedes knew the Headmaster might give Rebecca 18 with the cane if she said anything. Obediently the boy bent forward again and his class teacher gripped him firmly to hold his hands against the sides of the chairseat.Martin is captain of the football team but struggles with his lessons. I think he could try harder academically. Perhaps sport dominates his thoughts a little too much. He is also rather forceful in the playground and I am afraid some of the smaller boys seem a little afraid ofhim.’ Normally, as you have failed to maintain the position, I should start all over again. However, as this is your first proper caning, I will waive that rule and you will receive only another four strokes. Miss Prendergast, we need some help here. Please come and hold the boy down so I can finish this without any more trouble.’ Neither Mercedes nor Rebecca moved from their prone position on the desk. They held hands and looked at each other, wondering when it would start. Maybe twoooo.…errr…’ the boy hesitated and looked across to Miss Prendergast who was shaking herhead.
From time to time, headmistress Miss Svenson had to deal with misbehaving girls during the school day, but, mostly, girls were sent to her after the end of lessons, lining up, nose to the wall, outside her office. This was by no means a daily occurrence, but it certainly happened often enough to keep her spanking arm in good fettle. Melanie is an ideal pupil,’ Miss Prendergast volunteered immediately. ‘She works hard and does as well as she can in all her classes although she is not among the top achievers. But she tries and her behaviour cannot be faulted. Also she plays the flute most beautifully.’ Miss Svenson gave the boy a dismissive but good humoured wave as he let himself out of theroom. No, nothing thank you Miss,’ the girl replied again shifting her eyes towards Miss Prendergast, who gave the slightest nod of assent. One of the things of which Miss Svenson, headmistress of Camsford House, was most proud was not the school’s reputation for academic excellence or high disciplinary standards – both cherished as they were – but for something more intangible; what she liked to call esprit de corps: a spirit of team work and fair play amongst the girls, a spirit which, for Miss Svenson, was exemplified by the annual competition for the HouseCup.Now, with the cane you want to hold it firmly in your hand and swing it with good force. We don't want to cut or break the skin, but we do want Rebecca to remember this punishment." Delightful child,’ remarked the Headmistress as the door closed. ‘Let us hope that the rest of your class live up to her example.’
It will be a severe punishment, Miranda, but I hope you agree a fair one. And, I can assure you, it will be administered by me. Now go and fetch thecane!’ Is that Miss Svenson?’ came the voice. ‘I’m so glad you’ve rung. I don’t want to be a busy-body or anything, or tell tales after school, but I thought I should let you know I think I saw one of your girls in the coffee shop here in the village; I wouldn’t have noticed her – she looked so grown up – except she was wearing some kind of a sash, and I know it’s the House Cuptoday.’Very well. Get up and go behind the chair, drop your shorts and pants and bend over. I recommend you get a good grip on the seat as I don’t want you moving until the punishment is finished.’ Miss Svenson glanced at her colleague and, observing no dissent, stood up and took hold of thecane. Very good Miss Gregory. I think you got the idea, but of course you'll need more practice. With these two wayward students I don't think that will be a problem." Mercedes looked at Rebecca and saw her react. Her eyes grew wide and she gripped Mercedes hands even tighter.