His own children were all girls , and Christopher came in handy as a chore boy . He was made to work -- perhaps too hard . But Eunice helped him , and did half his work for him when nobody knew . When he quarreled with his cousins , she took his part ; whenever possible she took on herself the blame and punishment of his misdeeds . Electa Holland was Charles ' unmarried sister . She had kept house for Benjamin until he married ; then Naomi had bundled her out . Electa had never forgiven her for it . Her hatred passed on to Naomi 's children . In a hundred petty ways she revenged herself on them . For herself , Eunice bore it patiently ; but it was a different matter when it touched Christopher . Once Electa boxed Christopher 's ears . Eunice , who was knitting by the table , stood up . A resemblance to her mother , never before visible , came out in her face like a brand . She lifted her hand and slapped Electa 's cheek deliberately twice , leaving a dull red mark where she struck . `` If you ever strike my brother again , '' she said , slowly and vindictively , `` I will slap your face every time you do . You have no right to touch him . '' `` My patience , what a fury ! '' said Electa . `` Naomi Holland 'll never be dead as long as you 're alive ! '' She told Charles of the affair and Eunice was severely punished .
But Electa never interfered XXXXX Christopher again .
If as before by for like of on to with