Chapter 8 THE SCHOOL GIRL #3

Two days later, I had Simone in my room again. This time clutching a note from Miss Archer, but addressed to me. I asked Simone if she knew what this was about but she just shrugged her shoulders a little and didn’t speak. I opened the note and read it. ‘Mr. Kelaway. I have had cause to discuss a matter with Simone Tallington. This matter needs no further discussion but Simone is aware of her wrong-doing and must be punished. I pass to you the responsibility for administering some discipline to this wayward girl. Yours, L. Archer’. I looked at Simone and her face showed no emotion. “Do you know what this says” I asked. She nodded and said “I’ve not read it but I can guess”. I walked over to my desk and stood with my back to her. It occurred to me that I didn’t know what to do next. “And what is the usual punishment...” I left my question hanging hoping she would answer. She answered without looking up “Six strokes with the cane on bare cheeks or 10 covered”. I couldn’t believe my ears! Bare Cheeks! What sort of practice was this?