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 sun-light gleams for an instant out of a dark cloud.
"O 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 low voice, 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.
Dr.Rowlands watched the scene with moist eyes.

He was generally a man of prompt decision, and he well knew that he would incur by this act the charge of vacillation.