The chief attraction in this particular area was the gypsies. So as not to be noticed we left our bicycles by the fence at the edge of the woods and then walked across the field until we could look down into the little gulley and see the brightly painted caravans. A chill of fear would go through us if we saw smoke coming from the chimneys. My brother always warned us to be quiet in case the gypsies heard us. We couldn’t begin to imagine all of the dreadful things that would happen to us if we were caught. It was a known fact, as Uncle Ron told us, that gypsies stole babies and sewed them up in rabbit skins. Get It out of the Way: The headmistress encourages Morgan, who is new to St. Eunice's, to volunteer for a practice caning so she'll know what it's like before getting the real thing. Don’t you cheek me, Goodwyn! In fact, your so called uniform would not even be appropriate for the classroom. It isn’t appropriate even more so for a visit to me.” And then, with 4 chastised pupils standing facing the wall, and five more waiting outside, I took five minutes to relax and enjoy my tea… Well, then let us get it over with. Lift up your skirt and bend over the desk. I am going to give you 8 strokes with the cane. 5 for your missing homework, and 3 for your repeated tardiness.”

The punishments given by the headmistress were always of special interest for all the pupils at Wilhelmsen Institute. And especially so when someone from ones own year got it. Miss von Platen-Wilhelms had earned a reputation as a stern disciplinarian As they complied, I could easily see that Caroline Fletchers Skirt was non-regulation. Colour and general style matched, but it ended a few centimetres above the floor. Jenny Woods skirt touched the ground as it should be. Well, at least you are old enough to know better than to argue with me. So, step out of your trousers and bend over. You should know how it i Woods, you are 15 years old. Still, you behave like an insolent and cheeky child. And I have decided that I should punish you as such.”Saucy: Sentenced to six of the best, Meg has to call out the number of each stroke and then ask for another if she wants it to be counted. The day had arrived – during a free period designated for ‘brisk walking’ around the playground, all involved in the plan met in the woods behind the play room. Here we helped the girls to remove their badges from their blazers, and hat bands and badges from their panama hats. Wearing their blouses over instead of under their tunics we were convinced that their disguise was a foolproof as we could make it. With thumping hearts, dry throats and crossed fingers the girls went out through the little private gate used only by the school nurse and the matron. They were on their way. Right, I’m going’ I shouted, and without waiting for a reply, left the house. I crossed the garden, stepped onto the pavement and pushed open the next door gate. I hesitated slightly, and glanced up at the house, which was strangely foreboding. In a moment of decision and commitment, I strode up the path and rang the bell. Let this be a solemn warning to you, Miss Lucille," he continued, "but I'm afraid all my efforts for your reformation are quite thrown away upon such a worthless baggage," cutting away still more furiously, and as I turned my head to scream and implore for mercy, I could see how excited he was over the business with flushed face and ​sparkling eyes; he was a fine handsome man of about forty-five, and gave me the idea of looking as if in the midst of a tremendous battle.

Our unique long-standing event - it happens just once a year - where we joyfully celebrate this English vice. Suki Watanabe was just passing by. “She is still sore, sleeping on her belly each night. But yes, I saw her shortening her skirt up this morning. Hell, you should see her poor bum, I’ve never had it that worse…” My face was burning hot with the deep blushes of shame, and I struggled desperately to free my head from the vice-like pressure of Miss Birch's arm, as I begged with piteous sobs to be let off for this once. "Oh! dear papa! Oh! pray don't beat me!" My curiosity was excited so much, that I listened at the keyhole. Papa was evidently remaining in the governess's room. I could hear a rustling of her dress, as if some ​little struggle was taking place; a sound of smothered kisses, and soft expostulatory ejaculations, such as, "I dare not! Oh! No! No!! Not now! Pray leave me! Oh! Oh!!" Then an almost perfect quiet, except for a slight rustling sound, and, now and then, broken sighs with heavy breathing.Stand up, readjust your uniform, and stand facing the wall. Now, if I ever hear anything of racism from you again, you will be sent home in disgrace. I hope you will learn that it is wrong, and that no one here will tolerate it.” I could hear papa whisking the birch about, and then he said, "That will do famously, Miss Birch, keep her head and shoulders well down as you hold up her skirts; much as I pity my darling little Lucille, I must do my duty and make her smart for her idleness in school." After a few more words about discipline and conduct, I let her go. Taking her card, she gingerly walked out of my office. When I told Molly, she of course burst into tears. I promised her that I would try to think of something and not to give up hope. We WOULD go home even if we had to walk. Of course our Head Mistress was only doing what she thought was best, but having to stay at school right through until Christmas was to us utterly unbearable.