Organ Recital
The Family had been summoned to the music room. Fiona had been instructed, in a most detailed and strict manner about how she was to prepare for everyone’s arrival in time for her final recital before her examination. There were hushed gasps of shock, eyes averted & cough’s of disbelief as Fiona’s immediate & extended Family members took their seats. Fiona sat at the organ, naked! She wore a black bow tie around her neck. The female members of the family new the significance of this item when wore by a female member of their family! Upon the top of the organ was set a large purple cushion & across that lay a large cane carpet beater.
The significance of the bow tie? It was worn by female family members who had been awarded a severe thrashing at Fathers hand later that evening usually. All the family was now in the room. Fiona stood, placed both hands upon her head and began nervously to explain her predicament,
“Papa, Mama & my dearest Family, I have my final exam tomorrow and ..” her voice stuttered, “…. I have failed to do the required preparation ….. Dear Papa tested me earlier and I was unable to play the required piece to his satisfaction…..” She stumbled on her words again …. Her Father stood up,
“ Fiona is to play the piece for you and has you can see I am confident no improvement will be forthcoming. Therefore Fiona will have 50 strokes of the beater that so many of you are so familiar with, applied in front of you all and with each of you counting her strokes together”.
He turns to Fiona, “My darling ……….. play”
