Speaking those words, I stood up and walked around my desk, towards Jenny Woods. And I have decided that I should punish you as such.” Still, you behave like an insolent and cheeky child. I let those words sink in for a few short seconds. “But, Woods, as much as that caning, given here and now, would quite probably teach you a few lessons, I think it would not cure the source of your current streak of misbehaviour.” “Jenny Woods cheeks reddened, her eyes became large. School rules allow me a maximum of a dozen strokes, which you will receive. “Well, I could have you bend over for another good caning, that would be much deserved, don’t you think?” How should I punish a girl, whoose recent encounter with a certain cane has seemingly had no effect on her behaviour?”
“Now, Woods, I expect you to answer that question.” Now, what am I going to do with you, Woods?” You have heard the things I have told Caroline Fletcher just last week, and you have just had a good caning.
“You knew that non-regulation clothing is strictly forbidden at Wilhemsen, and you full well knew that what you were doing was wrong. At least, she had enough wit to come with a regulation length skirt, certainly not shortened like the one that had earned her this visit. I am not pleased to see you in here again this soon.” I adressed the girl. I smiled inwardly, knowing that she was probably right. But I could see that inside, she was frightened of what was to come. Oh, yes, she looked confident and even a little cocky for someone who didn’t know schoolgirls. But I didn’t think that to be an option now, and I wasn’t to give up on Jenny that quick.Īs she entered my office I could see she was worried. Had the offence been a more serious one (of course, improper uniform and impertinent sassing are not taken lightly here, but they are not like theft, fighting or smoking) I would have had Jenny expelled and sent home with the next ship.
And by just letting her off with another good dose of the cane, I knew, I wouldn’t get the full message across. Girls like Jenny Woods needed strict discipline, yes, but a good thrashing was only one part of that. She had already received a severe caning on her last visit, and it positively looked like it hadn’t been enough to teach her a lesson.Īs a headmistress, I know that there are things that cannot be solved by corporal punishment. Only very rarely a pupil had to report to my office twice in such a short time.
Now, finally, I am finding the time to complete this series of “Punishment Friday”.