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mystery, Benny.” He smiled over at his youngest grandson.
    “No one except the Tattletale!” Benny said.
    “I wonder if the Tattletale will be there tonight,” Violet said, climbing into Grandfather’s station wagon.
    “It’s hard to say.” Henry, who was sitting up front beside Grandfather, looked over his shoulder. “But we’ll keep an eye out for anything suspicious.”
    As they pulled into the busy parking lot, Jessie said, “You were right, Grandfather. I think everyone in Greenfield is headed for the art show.”
    Violet looked around uneasily at all the smartly dressed people making a beeline for the Mona Lisa Gallery. She was shy and meeting new people often made her nervous. As they crossed the square, she slowed her step.
    Grandfather put a comforting arm around his youngest granddaughter. “It’ll be worth braving the crowds,” he assured her. “Edmund says Margaret Longford’s paintings are the finest work by a new artist that he’s ever seen.”
    Violet smiled up at her grandfather and quickened her pace. She was eager to see Margaret’s paintings.
    As they entered the gallery, a tall man in a tuxedo rushed over. “James! I was hoping you could make it.” He put out his hand.
    “I always enjoy coming to your gallery, Edmund,” said Grandfather, shaking hands. He introduced the children to the owner of the Mona Lisa Gallery.
    “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Rondale,” Henry said politely, speaking for them all.
    “Please call me Edmund. Everyone around here does.”
    Benny glanced over at all the guests crowded around the paintings. He saw one familiar face. It was Mrs. Turner. When the waitress spotted Benny, she smiled and waved her hand. Benny waved, too.
    Violet followed Benny’s gaze. “I didn’t know Mrs. Turner liked art,” she said in surprise.
    “I didn’t, either,” said Jessie. “But I guess everybody wants to see Margaret Longford’s work.”
    “Will all those people buy paintings?” Benny wanted to know.
    Edmund laughed. “I wouldn’t be surprised, Benny. Everybody’s very impressed with this year’s contest winner.” He lowered his voice, leaning closer. “The art world’s just buzzing. It won’t be long before Margaret Longford makes quite a name for herself.”
    “If the paintings are half as good as you say, Edmund,” responded Grandfather, “I just might buy one myself.”
    “The paintings in this room will be on exhibit all week,” Edmund told Grandfather. “But if anything strikes your fancy, I’ll tag it and you can pick it up when the show’s over. Of course, we have a number of Margaret’s canvasses in the back room that haven’t been framed yet. If you decide to purchase one of those, you can take it away with you tonight. Then you can get it framed later.”
    Grandfather nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    “We have our usual assortment of sandwiches and pastries, of course,” Edmund went on. He gestured to a long table where Janice Allen was busy pouring coffee for the guests. “Please help yourselves.” With that, the gallery owner hurried away.
    “I can’t wait to get a close look at the paintings,” Violet said, feeling less shy now.
    Jessie nodded. “I’m curious to see them, too.” Then she noticed Benny eyeing the refreshment table. She guessed what was coming next. “You want something to eat. Right, Benny?”
    “I am getting kind of hungry,” Benny said, to no one’s surprise. He looked at his grandfather expectantly. “Is it all right, Grandfather?”
    James Alden chuckled. “Edmund said to help yourselves.”
    Henry knew there was no stopping his little brother. “Come on, Benny,” he said, and led the way over to the table in the corner.
    While Grandfather mingled with the other guests, Violet and Jessie threaded their way through the crowds to see the paintings. Violet caught her breath as she gazed at a canvas splashed with color. “Oh, how beautiful!” she breathed.
    Jessie nodded. “No wonder