“I thought you had a great affection for your sister?” Mrs. Purdy said.
“I did, and that is exactly why I’ll be very strict with her daughter.”
“Well, I do hope you’ll find a way to welcome her in a more fitting way, sir. I don’t doubt that she needs discipline, but at your first meeting?”
“Thank you for your thoughts, Mrs. Purdy, but I’m sure you have other things to do than discuss this. I certainly do.”
Andrew resumed his writings as Mrs. Purdy hastily left the library.
Kate stared for some moments in the mirror at her punished bottom. The six cruel cuts were still visible to the eye, though they had begun to fade in color, even as she looked at them. She was still aghast by what had transpired. How could her mother have thought this was a suitable arrangement for her! She apparent
