Helen received four strokes and a few moments later appeared at the door red-faced and holding her bottom.

Sandra went in and Helen walked along the corridor. Again we heard four strokes of the cane being applied but no sound from Sandra and then my friend came out. My heart was pounding as I was next in line. Sandra was a pretty blond and she had tears on her cheeks but gave me a smile. It did not reassure me as I pushed the door open, walked in and closed it behind me.

Miss E was standing there in a black skirt, white blouse and wearing her black gown. In her hand was a traditional cane which stopped just short of the floor. She pointed it to a space in front of her desk, that same place I had stood on that first day.