gony. "Oh, sir, then if you must do so, expel
me only, and not Charlie. _I_ can bear it, but do not let me ruin him
also. Oh, I implore you, sir, for the love of God, do, do forgive him!
It is I who have misled him," and he flung himself on his knees, and
lifted his hands entreatingly towards the Doctor.

Dr Rowlands looked at him--at his blue eyes drowned with tears, his
agitated gesture, his pale, expressive face, full of passionate
supplication. He looked at Wildney too, who stood trembling with a look
of painful and miserable suspense, and occasionally added his wild word
of entreaty, or uttered sobs more powerful still, that seemed to come
from the depth of his heart. He was shaken in his resolve, wavered for
a moment, and then once more looked at the register.

"Yes," he said, after a long pause, "here is an entry which shall save
you this time. I find written here against your name, `April 3. Risked
his life in the endeavour to save Edwin Russell at the Stack.' That one
good and noble deed shall be the proof that you are capable of better
things. It may be weak perhaps--I know that it will be called weak--and
I do not feel certain that I am doing right; but if I err it shall be on
the side of mercy. I shall change expulsion into some other punishment.
You may go."

Wildney's face lighted up as suddenly and joyously as when a ray of
sunlight gleams for an instant out of a dark cloud.

"Oh, thank you, thank you, sir," he exclaimed, drying his eyes, and
pouring into the words a world of expression, which it was no light
pleasure to have heard. But Eric spoke less impulsively, and while the
two boys were stammering out their deep gratitude, a timid hand knocked
at the door, and Vernon entered.

"I have come, sir, to speak for poor Eric," he said in a voice low and
trembling with emotion, as, with downcast eyes, he modestly approached
towards Dr Rowlands, not even observing the presence of the others in
the complete absorption of his feelings. He stood in a sorrowful
attitude, not venturing to look up, and his hand played nervously with
the ribbon of his straw hat.

"I have just forgiven him, my little boy," said the Doctor kindly,
patting his stooping head; "there he is, and he has been speaking for
himself."

"O Eric, I am so, so glad, I don't know what to say for joy. O Eric,
thank God that you are not to be expelled," and Vernon went to his
brother and embraced him with the deepest affection.