Tattletale Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner Read Free Book Online

said Edmund. “When you look at Margaret’s paintings, you just know she loves to paint more than anything in the world. You can see it in the brushstrokes and the vibrant colors. That’s what makes her paintings so special.”
    “Just like Milly Manchester!” Benny chimed in. “Milly liked painting more than anything, too.”
    Margaret’s smile suddenly faded. “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with that name.” She seemed annoyed by Benny’s remark. “I’ve never met Milly Manchester.”
    Edmund thought for a moment. “I believe she was a local painter.” He looked over to where a middle-aged man was talking to a small group of people. “Isn’t that her nephew, Jem Manchester?”
    They followed Edmund’s gaze to a man dressed in a checkered sports jacket and charcoal trousers. His dark hair was slicked back, and he was gesturing to the paintings with a sweep of his arm.
    Just then, a voice said, “Yes, that’s Jem.” As Mrs. Turner joined their group, she told them, “He runs a car dealership in town.”
    Jessie caught Henry’s eye. What was Jem Manchester doing at a gallery? According to Mrs. Spencer, Milly’s nephew had no interest in art.
    “I’m not surprised he’s in sales,” remarked Edmund. “He’s quite the smooth talker. I overheard him praising Margaret’s paintings, saying they’ll be worth a fortune in a few years. Comments like that can’t hurt business.”
    Margaret didn’t look at all pleased. “My paintings will sell without anyone’s help,” she snapped. Then she turned on her heel and walked away.
    Henry, Jessie, Violet, and Benny exchanged looks of amazement. Why was Margaret Longford so upset?
    “I certainly didn’t mean to insult anyone,” Edmund remarked, puzzled.
    “Margaret’s from a wealthy family,” put in Mrs. Turner. “She probably doesn’t understand what it takes to run a business.”
    Edmund changed the subject. “I’ll duck into the back room, James, and wrap that painting of yours.” Then he hurried away.
    Seeing the questioning look on the children’s faces, Grandfather smiled over at them. “I bought one of the unframed canvasses,” he told them. “I just couldn’t resist. Margaret really is a brilliant artist.”
    “Mrs. Turner!” Jem Manchester suddenly came toward them, holding his hand out. “I had no idea you were a patron of the arts.”
    “I could say the same thing about you, Jem,” she responded, shaking hands. Then she introduced the Aldens to Milly’s nephew.
    “The truth is, I’ve never spent much time in art galleries,” Jem confessed, after saying hello to everyone. “But I wanted to find out what all the fuss was about. The whole town’s doing cartwheels over Margaret Longford.” He paused to glance around the room at the colorful canvasses. Slapping a hand over his heart, he said, “Her paintings have absolutely taken my breath away! Superb! No other word for it.” Jem strode off, leaving everyone to stare after him.
    Mrs. Turner laughed a little. “That’s quite a sales pitch he’s giving. You’d almost think there was something in it for him, wouldn’t you?”
    When Edmund returned with Grandfather’s painting, the Aldens thanked the gallery owner and said good-bye. As they were leaving, Jessie turned around for one last look at Margaret Longford. She still had the oddest feeling she’d seen her somewhere before. But she couldn’t quite put her finger on where it was.

CHAPTER 8
A Snapdragon Lurks
    When they got back from the gallery, Grandfather wasted no time in tearing the wrapping away from the painting he’d bought. He held up a landscape of clover fields edged with autumn trees that seemed to glow with light and color. In a bottom corner was Margaret Longford’s signature.
    Violet let out the breath she had been holding. “Oh, it’s beautiful!” she said in an awed voice. And the others were quick to agree.
    “I was hoping you’d like it, Violet.” Grandfather smiled over at his youngest