"Leggo my arm," snarled the "son," putting the offending cigarette defiantly into his mouth.
Milton coolly and deliberately reached over and, with an exaggerated politeness swiftly and effectively removed it, dropping it on the floor and stamping defiantly on it.
"Son" raised his fists pugnaciously, for he didn't care much for the role he was playing, anyhow.
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.