Milton did the same.
There was every element of a gaudy mix-up, when the outer door of
the office suddenly swung open and Elaine Dodge entered.
Gallantry was Milton's middle name and he sprang forward to hold
the door, and then opened Bennett's door, as he ushered in Elaine.
As she passed "Weepy Mary," who was still writing at the table and
crying bitterly, Elaine hesitated and looked at her curiously.
Even after Milton had opened Bennett's door, she could not resist
another glance. Instinctively Elaine seemed to scent trouble.
Bennett was still studying the black-bordered card, when she
greeted him.
"Who is that woman?" she asked, still wondering about the identity
of the Niobe outside.
At first he said nothing. But finally, seeing that she had noticed
it, he handed Elaine the card, reluctantly.
Elaine read it with a gasp. The look of surprise that crossed her
face was terrible.
Before she could say anything, however, Milton had returned with
the sheet of paper on which "Weepy Mary" had written and handed it
to Bennett.
Bennett read it with uncontrolled astonishment.
"What is it?" demanded Elaine.
He handed it to her and she read:
"As the lawful wife and widow of Taylor Dodge, I demand my son's
rights and my own.
"MRS. TAYLOR DODGE."
Elaine gasped at it.
"She--my father's wife!" she exclaimed, "What effrontery! What
does she mean?"
Bennett hesitated.
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