While sitting at the breakfast table Sylvia Monton was wondering how to
ask her uncle if she might come to terms with Leslie Woodcock.

Presently Mr. Earlsdown rose from his chair and seizing his pipe he
entered his study roaring 'Private Tommy Atkins' at the top of his loud
voice.

"I am afraid my uncle is in one of his boisterous moods" sighed Sylvia
finishing her coffee, "but he does get so excited poor uncle especially
when he has been out the night before. I don't remember seeing much of
him at the ball. I was so taken up with Leslie. I am rather glad I did
not see him though for nothing would induce him to wear evening clothes
or a shirt front and he insisted on going in his bicycling suit and such
a soiled red tie and _oh_ his hair it was really like a crows nest, I
don't know what Mr. and Mrs. Woodcock would have said if he had suddenly
burst out with that dreadful 'Tommy Atkins.' but there poor uncle he
_has_ such spirits."

So saying Sylvia skipped into her uncle's study.

"Hullo hullo my lassie" he cried tossing down last week's 'Pick me up.'

"I wanted to speak to you Uncle" said Sylvia putting her trembling hand
on Mr. Earlsdown's shoulder.

"Talk away then" said Mr. Earlsdown "I am prepared for the very worst
news."

"It's nothing much" said the girl "only--

"Wake up wake up my child" said her uncle "only what?"

"Only that Leslie Woodcock has asked me to marry him and with your
permission I will accept."

"I dare say you will" said Mr. Earlsdown "but I am not going to give my
consent" replied the excitable gentleman "I am not going to see you
marry a begger."

"But uncle he is not a begger" cried Sylvia "he is well off, honest and
dependable"

"I dare say he is all that" said Mr. Earlsdown "dependable indeed! why
ten to one when you have been married to him a month he will devoice you
for some other girl he is silly enough to prefer; no no you shall marry
a lord, that is what I want for my money, so next time you see young
Woodcock just send him about his business, impudent young fellow!!"

"Uncle have _some_ mercy" here burst from Sylvia's pale lips "I'll
never marry any one else" and with a cry of "Leslie _my_ Leslie" she
fled from the room and flinging herself on her own bed gave way to
bitter tears.

But finally taking heart of grace she siezed her blotting book and
poured forth these heart rending words.

MY OWN,

Owing to my merciless uncle I am forced t