names" cried the girl "I wish you would bring them here
some day."

"Perhaps I will" said Leslie "but Albert does not care for calling he is
a very quiet fellow.

"I am sure I should like him. I love boys" said Sylvia.

Here Leslie thought he had better be going so taking his hat and gloves
he shook hands after first promising to bring his family the next time
he came.

CHAPTER 3

THE BALL

About 3 months after the events recorded in our last chapter Mr.
Woodcock decided to give a ball in honour of his daughter Violets
coming of age. So he sent out about 20 invitations and Leslie made quite
sure that Sylvia was amongst the list of invited people.

At last the happy day arrived and as the carriages drew up in front of
Astma House Leslie's form might be seen standing on the door step
looking out for when Sylvia would arrive. At last she came and Leslie
offered his hand to help her up the steps.

Sylvia was attired in costly white satin with an edging of beaver round
the skirt. The body was trimmed with real Venetian Point. Upon her hands
she wore pink kid gloves and in her hair a pink may blossom. Her small
well formed feet were clad in white high heeled shoes and silk
stockings.

"I am afraid I am late Leslie" she said as she entered the hall "but I
had such a bother to fix my hair, my maid was out you see" she added
blushing

"Oh never mind" said Leslie taking Sylvia's cloak and hanging it up "let
us come into the drawing room and join in this walse.

Sylvia's programme was soon filled and she danced till she was tired and
at last while resting in an arm chair she was not sorry to see Hilda
Woodcock approaching her with a strawberry ice.

"Leslie is going to bring you some jelly or cream pudding in a minute"
she said handing Sylvia the tray.

In an instant Leslie came up to her and handing her a jelly retired
quickly saying he would be back soon.

At that moment Sylvia felt a touch on her arm and looking round found
herself face to face with Albert Morris, a short red haired young man
about 22.

"Oh what is it?" cried Sylvia jumping up from her seat.

"Nothing much" replied Albert quietly "only as you are disingaged will
you have a valse with me."

"I really can't" answered Sylvia hotly "I _am_ so tired. I have been
dancing all the evening."

"Very well" said Albert and he went away and Sylvia turning round saw
Leslie sitting beside a young lady gently fanning her and talking to
her.