“I caned him while he kept kicking me,” said Ursula, getting angry because she was half excusing herself, Mr. Harby standing there with the twinkle at the side of his eyes, enjoying the dilemma of the two women.

“I'm sure I'm sorry if he behaved badly,” said the woman. “But I can't think he deserved beating as he has been. I can't send him to school, and really can't afford to pay the doctor. — Is it allowed for the teachers to beat the children like that, Mr. Harby?”

The headmaster refused to answer. Ursula loathed herself, and loathed Mr. Harby with his twinkling cunning and malice on the occasion.

The other miserable woman watched her chance.

“It is an expense to me, and I have a great struggle to keep my boy decent.”