The Mistress cried out, in sharp protest at the little brute's action.

And the Master leaned forward, swinging Cyril clear of the ground.

Holding the child firmly, but with no roughness, the Master steadied his own voice as best he could; and said:-- "This time you've not even bothered to wait till our backs were turned.
So don't waste breath by crying and saying you didn't do it.

You're not my child; so I have no right to punish you.

And I'm not going to.