Christopher did not want to go ; it was Eunice who reconciled him . He clung to her with an exacting affection born of loneliness and grief . In the days that followed Caroline Holland was obliged to confess to herself that there would have been no doing anything with Christopher had it not been for Eunice . The boy was sullen and obstinate , but his sister had an unfailing influence over him . In Charles Holland 's household no one was allowed to eat the bread of idleness . 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 XXXXX touch him . ''
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