He had beenwanting Beth to wear it for a long-time, he was wondering if this would bethe night that she finally put it on.Beth addressed Aaron, "Aaron... I know you have been wanting me to wear thisfor some time. If you want me to wear it, you are going to have to ask. Iknow it will be just a formality and it will not change things between us.But I need you to ask. This will be the first step that we will need totake." First step, hmm I wonder what other steps she has in mind" Aaron thought. I’d never felt pain like it before, as the cane hit my fingers for a third time making them swell and go bright red. Tears were now streaming down my face as Mr. Skinner returned the cane to a box containing another dozen or so bamboo and willow rods in the corner, then sat behind his large desk.“Hopefully, Miss Simpson, you’ll have learnt your lesson and will now behave like the rest of the young ladies in this establishment or…if you continue to misbehave like a boy… I will have to punish. He celebrated the good news by purchasing an entire new wardrobe of the best that was available. Anything better would have to come from London or Dublin.Sarah and he finished the day by walking through the market. They didn’t see O’Reilly, but his two favorite daughters seemed to be doing well selling their flowers and sweets. Clara was sitting at the side of the cart reading a paper back book of some type. She snapped her head up while he was staring at her. Their eyes met and neither of them. Then, finally, the last few spurts shot into the bowl, and the silence in the office was all-encompassing. I almost forgot to breathe. Then I realized my oversight. “Uhm,” I stammered, face burning, my voice barely above a whisper, “could I… have a tissue?” My pleading look didn’t faze Marietta in the slightest. “No, you may not!” “But…” “Use your fingers.” “And how should I…” My voice trailed off when she parted her lips and wiggled her tongue, leaving no doubt about her suggestion. “God, this.