"Don't trouble sir" said Mr. Earlsdown and taking out a large red kerchief he seized the hat in his huge hand and pounded it vigorously. "Oh uncle gently" cried Sylvia "you will spoil my feathers "I know what I am about my dear" said Mr. Earlsdown "and you sir come and see us to-morrow, my child will be glad of a caller." "Oh indeed I shall" cried Sylvia blushing. And Leslie Woodcock, for that was the handsome fellows name raised his hat and bowed low saying "I shall be delighted my dear sir, but might I ask what your address is. "Certainly my man" exclaimed Mr. Earlsdown as with a hearty laugh he produced a little card on which was written R. EARLSDOWN ESQ, Yellowflower Hall Mayfield Sussex Leslie bowed once more and taking the card moved gently away. What took place after this will be reserved for our next chapter. CHAPTER 2 LESLIE WOODCOCK The hero of my story I will now describe. Leslie Woodcock was about 6 feet in his stockings and fine and well built. He had very dark brown hair neatly parted at one side, a curly moustache of the same shade and deep brown eyes always half shut. He had a large straight nose and mouth to correspond and white well shaped hands and feet, that set off this good looking young man. It was about half past 3 oclock on the following afternoon when Leslie Woodcock dressed in a light grey suit and crimson tie, black felt bowler and fur lined overcoat, started for Yellowflower Hall. Sylvia who had been expecting him all the morning was pleased to hear the front door bell ring, and hurried to the window to wave her hand, as she knew it _must_ be the good looking stranger. Just then the drawing room door was flung open and the butler announced Mr. Woodcock "Oh good afternoon" said Sylvia rushing from the window to greet the visitor "how good of you to come in all this pouring rain." "It was a bad day to come, but I was true to my word" answered our hero warmly shaking hands. "Yes indeed how wet you must be" said Sylvia and then turning to the butler she added "Johnson inform Mr. Earlsdown that Mr. Woodcock is here." In about 3 minutes a heavy step was heard and Mr. Earlsdown came bounding into the room laughing loudly. "How do Mr. Woodcock" he gasped between his peals of laughter "I didn't at all expect you, in fact I forgot all about you" and here he sank into a chair and offered a snuff box to his friend. "Thanks" said Leslie streching out his long thin fingers and taking a small pinch which he silently dropped on the floor as being so young he was afraid it would make him sick. "You'll stop to tea wont you?" asked Sylvia arranging the folds of her green silk dress. "Thank you I will if it is no trouble" said Leslie and a smile passed over his thin lips. In a few moments Johnson and another footman brought in tea from the conservatory on a silver tray.