But valentines of all sorts and styles came pouring into the house all day. Betty and Jack received them in every mail, and also between mails by messenger.
Polly had enough to make her baby heart over-flow with glee, and though she ruined most of them with her affectionate pats and kisses, she liked them just as well in their shabby condition.
About four o’clock the young people arrived. Betty had invited a dozen or more, both girls and boys, and though valentines are particularly meant for the fair sex, yet the boys had a goodly number to exhibit also.
The young folk gathered in the drawing-room and set their treasures around on tables, mantels, piano, and even on chairs, so many there were.
Eagerly Betty watched Jeanette to see what her demeanor might be.
To her amazement, Jeanette was positively gay! She seemed like one transformed. Her eyes danced, and her face fairly beamed, as if she were bubbling over with happiness.
Jack admired her more than ever, and wondered if the receiving of a few valentines pleased her as much as all that. Betty didn’t quite understand, but she saw that Jeanette was radiantly happy, and she felt sure that it must be because of the new dress.
“Oh, I know the valentine you sent me, Betty!” she cried soon after she came in.
“Which?” said Betty, her heart in her throat with excitement.
“This one!” cried Jeanette, triumphantly holding up the pretty paper valentine that Betty had sent.