A red-headed calf was
observing her with alarmed doubt through the opposite hedge.
Here was clearly a case of aberration in a christened child which
demanded severe treatment; but Silas, overcome with convulsive joy
at finding his treasure again, could do nothing but snatch her up, and
cover her with half-sobbing kisses. It was not until he had carried
her home, and had begun to think of the necessary washing, that he
recollected the need that he should punish Eppie, and 'make her
remember'. The idea that she might run away again and come to harm,
gave him unusual resolution, and for the first time he determined to
try the coal-hole- a small closet near the hearth.
'Naughty, naughty Eppie,' he suddenly began, holding her on his
knee, and pointing to her muddy feet and clothes- 'naughty to cut
with the scissors, and run away. Eppie must go into the coal-hole
for being naughty. Daddy must put her in the coal-hole.'
He half expected that this would be shock enough, and that Eppie
would begin to cry. But instead of that, she began to shake herself on
his knee, as if the proposition opened a pleasing novelty. Seeing that
he must proceed to extremities, he put her into the coal-hole, and
held the door closed, with a trembling sense that he was using a
strong measure. For a moment there was silence, but then came a little
cry, 'Opy, opy!' and Silas let her out again, saying, 'Now Eppie
'ull never be naughty again, else she must go into the coal-hole- a
black naughty place.
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