"Looks like she's been slapping the kid again"

In this quote, the speaker is observing a female who appears to have actually physically harmed a kid. Using the word "once again" recommends that this is not the very first time the female has actually engaged in this behavior. The tone of the quote is one of disapproval and possibly even disgust, as the speaker uses the word "slapping" instead of a more neutral term like "disciplining." The author, Dashiell Hammett, may be discussing the occurrence of violence and abuse towards children in society. In general, the quote highlights the disturbing nature of the situation and the need for intervention to safeguard the kid.