Eric, _do_ come and entreat Dr.Rowlands to forgive us only this once." "Yes," said Eric, starting up with sudden energy; "he _shall_ forgive us--_you_ at any rate.

I will not leave him till he does.

Cheer up, Charlie, cheer up, and come along." Filled with an irresistible impulse, he pushed Carter aside, and sprang down stairs three steps at a time, with Wildney following him.

They went straight for the Doctor's study, and without waiting for the answer to their knock at the door, Eric walked up to Dr.Rowlands, who sate thinking in his arm-chair by the fire, and burst out passionately, "O sir, forgive us this once." The Doctor was completely taken by surprise, so sudden was the intrusion, and so intense was the boy's manner.

He remained silent a moment from astonishment, and then said with asperity-- "Your offence is one of the most dangerous possible.