I asked what ‘discretion’ meant. Mrs Hamilton explained and I understood. I must have looked terrified – I certainly felt it.
“Under the circumstances, James, taking into account you have come forward, and that you have never been in trouble before, I have decided not to cane you.”
I began to cry again, this time with relief.
“However,” Mrs Hamilton added, “I cannot let the fact that you were out of bounds go unpunished. If I were to cane you, I would have to enter that officially into the school punishment book. That entry could be held against you, which in your case would seem unfair. What I can do is use my discretion.”