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.