I relaxed back into my chair and fixed my eyes on my new young charge. He was an attractive, almost pretty boy with high cheek bones and a slim, athletic body. He looked a picture waiting for my next instructions and I felt I would be enjoying the next hour enormously.
''Now then'', I paused '' you have had a good time to learn your new house rules, I asked Peter to ensure that you knew them... is that the case?''
''Yes sir'' the little boy answered.
''Well then, begin to recite and in the correct order please- speak slowly and clearly so that I can hear you properly''.
I lent forward in my chair and picked up the cane which lay between me and Philip. I began slowly flexing it in my hands. The boys expression turned to one of nervous apprehension. When a boy senses that his bottom is about to be punished it is only natural that his face always shows concern, this made the young chap even more attractive, although he did not realise it.
''one, I must maintain and cheerful disposition at all times'' ''two, I must obey my masters and adults at all times and without delay'' ''three, I must keep my room tidy and expect an inspection at any time'' ''four, I must be clean and smartly dressed when in the house'' I liked this rule in particular, it allowed for a physical examination to see how clean the boy actually was... I did not ask for the rule about no underwear when told, that would come later. '' five, I must achieve a pass rate of 50% in all tests'' ''six, I....I.......err..........err......I'm sorry sir, I..... cannot....'' the child began to sob, water rising in his sweet blue eyes. He fidgetted on the spot ''well.... waht is the next rule''I now glared at the boy in some anger and he started to cry gently. I lent forward with both elbows on the edge of my desk and hald the cane up between my hands for him to study. No reply '' do you know the other rules or not boy'' I asked ''very well then, go and bend over that armchair, the one facing the window. Philip turned and did as instructed, it was quite clear he had been put in this position before and the worried look on his face was evodence that he knew what was coming. As he bent over the back of the chair, rising on tip toes to have his bottom in position my heart bagan to pound as I contemplated the small buttocke which I would soon be swihing to a good shade of red. I picked up my telephone ''Mr Edwards.... Headmaster speaking... please ask Peter to join me in my study there's a good chap''.
''Oh headmaster'' Edwards replied ''I have already sent Peter to bed for poor behaviour in prep.... but of course I will tell him to come at once''
Edwards was a young master who had been with us about 6 months and I had him down as rather a softy. He held a degree from Oxford though which always impressed the parents and was therefore good for business.
Within 3 minutes there came a soft knock at the door....''Come'' I replied and there stood pPeter, a picture of misery, he had clearly been crying and his eyes were red..he was expecting the wosre and had clearly deceided that Philip had failed the test and that both he and Philip would now be feeling the string of the stick.
''you wanted me sir'
''yes indeed'' I replied''as you can see Philip here does not know his rules and is to be punished, after which I will deal with you and you may join him in the corner later. Come and stand here'' I indicated the spot next to my desk by pointing the whippy junior cane which was the instrument of punishment for tonight.
More later.....