Page:Jay Little - Maybe—Tomorrow.pdf/111

 in every line of his face. It shone from his calm eyes. Only the pulse that beat in the lump in his throat, betrayed the emotional strain he was going through.

Gaylord's fleeting moment of triumph was gone. He experienced a sensation of being caught; felt the old hot blush of guilt on his face. He was afraid this boy knew about what had happened last night. He could feel a warm flush on his face, and as if to get away from the pressure, he fumblingly shifted the books under his arm.

"Oh, here's Glenn. Good morning, Glenn." Then as if struck by a sudden thought, she added, "Did you meet Glenn yesterday, Gaylord?"

"No ma'am, I didn't."

I'm nuts, Gaylord thought. He couldn't know. He's just nervous because he's new here. He is nervous. Look at his Adam's apple … gosh, he's got pretty dimples …

With new courage he smiled and held out his hand. "I'm Gaylord Le Claire, Glenn."

"I'm Glenn," he spoke hesitantly at first, but with growing assurance, went on, "Glenn Rogers." He shook hands with Gaylord.

Miss Grey, the teacher went on. "Glenn's going to be with us now, and I'm sure he'd appreciate your showing him around, Gaylord." The tired eyes tried to smile.

"Yes, ma'am … I'll try," Gaylord said.

Tardily seating himself on the varnished seat, Gaylord glanced at the desk opposite him. The muscles of Roger's face twitched and gave him a look in which respect and a kind of veiled pleasure were mixed. He put his books inside his desk, smiled back, and the two deep dimples formed again in the brownish cheeks.

Why had he thought Glenn Rogers would know about last night? It was absolutely silly, Gaylord told himself and a little of the newly-formed courage crept back.

"You'll like it here," he smiled.

"I think I will," Rogers answered.

Gaylord watched the dimples grow.

"I saw you yesterday and wanted to introduce myself, but I was so late; and then when the bell rang I had to get some books together quick, so I forgot. I looked for you but you had already gone." 101