Getting the Right Results
From Blushes 41 Did you know, Jean, that the tawse is still in use in many Scottish schools? Both boys and girls schools?’ The young nose wrinkled and a faintly puzzled expression appeared. ‘Er… what exactly is a tawse, Miss Cameron?’ A look of exasperation crossed the face of the stern-featured woman. ‘You really mean to say you do not know what a tawse is? Having lived eighteen years north of the border…’ ‘No… I don’t, Miss Cameron. I think I may have heard the word used in some connection,’ replied the fair-haired Jean. Miss Cameron ejected a scoffing laugh. ‘Connection! That’s good. The connection, I may tell you Jean, is with the bare behind of schoolchildren who don’t behave themselves. Because the tawse is a length of leather, often split into two at its end.’ The girl blinked nervously. ‘Y-You mean it’s a strap… a punishing strap?’ ‘That’s what I mean,’ said Miss Cameron bluntly. ‘What is more, Jean, I may say th...