"I'll ask you to keep as quiet as possible," she requested. "Otherwise, we may disturb some of the grown-up, eighth-grade classes who are too old for these things."
No need of any such caution. The children were quiet as the proverbial mice as they waited for the first name to be called.
"John Fletcher."
He stumbled to his feet in amazement. Had Louise sent him a valentine? As he opened the envelope, a gaudy caricature of a gentleman with reddened nose, paste-diamond pin, and flowered vest met his eyes. Underneath was a bit of doggerel elaborating certain traits ascribed to "The Rounder." He twisted suddenly in his seat and surprised a smile of exultation on Sid's face.
Just wait until school was over. He'd fix him for that.
"Olga," called Miss Brown with a smile, some moments later.
Flaxen-haired Olga simpered up to receive her missive. The excited buzz of conversation which arose claimed John's attention.
"That makes eight for her."
"But Louise has nine!"
Names of several girls who were popular only in the eyes of their youthful swains followed. The teacher shuffled the remaining valentines hastily.