“If there’s anything I can do,” Elsie said, “you can count on me.”
Bertha couldn’t keep the surprise from her face. “I didn’t know you felt that way.”
Elsie Brand’s eyes misted. “I keep thinking of Donald out there on the firing-line and — and—”
Bertha’s eyes suddenly became intent. “My God, don’t tell me you’re in love with him, too! All the other women he’s met fall—”
“No, it’s not that. It’s — well, if there’s anything I can do—”
Bertha heaved herself wearily to her feet, “Well,” she announced, “there’s Dolly Cornish. She’s the forgotten woman in this whole business, and somehow I have a hunch—”
“Somebody coming. Damn it, every time I sit down out here somebody catches me before I can—”
The door opened. Mrs. Goldring, her face swollen from weeping, accompanied by a solicitous Carlotta, entered the office.
Mrs. Goldring’s face brightened just a bit at sight of Bertha. Carlotta’s nod and smile were cheerful greetings. “Good morning, Mrs. Cool. May we see you for a moment? Mother’s had this terrible shock, but — well, some things just can’t wait. We’d like to talk with you for a few moments.”
“Go right on into my private office,” Bertha said, “right on in and sit down. I’ll be with you in just a moment. I’m finishing some important dictation to my secretary. Just go on in and make yourselves at home. You’ll pardon me while I finish dictating.”