The Mystery of the Stolen Music by Gertrude Chandler Warner Page A

grandfather had found them and taken them in. They were very happy living with him.
    Just then, Grandfather Alden came in from outside. Seven-year-old Soo Lee was with him.
    â€œYou look pretty, Soo Lee,” Violet said to the girl. She was wearing a pale lavender dress with a purple sash. “Those are my favorite colors.”
    Soo Lee smiled. “I like these colors, too,” she said.
    â€œAre we ready?” Mr. Alden asked. “We don’t want to be late.”
    â€œWait a minute,” Benny said. “The cookies! Soo Lee, where are the cookies?!”
    They had spent the previous afternoon baking at Soo Lee’s house. Benny did not want to forget the cookies.
    â€œThey are in the car,” Soo Lee told him.
    â€œGreat!” Benny ran to hold the door open. “Let’s go,” he said.
    The others gathered up the boxes and jugs and ran out. Watch stood looking after them.
    â€œWe’ll be home soon,” Jessie told him.
    He wagged his tail and went back to lie down on his rug.
    Once the boxes were stacked in the back of the station wagon, the Aldens climbed inside.
    â€œOff to the Civic Center,” Mr. Alden said as he headed out the driveway.
    Violet sighed. She had been looking forward to meeting the musicians — especially the violinists. Secretly, she hoped one of them would ask to hear her play. She had been practicing extra hours just in case. “I am so nervous,” she said.

    â€œThink of it as being excited, not nervous ,”Mr. Alden told her.
    Violet laughed. “Well then, I am very excited,” she said.
    â€œMe, too,” each of the other Aldens agreed.

CHAPTER 2
    The Party
    T he Civic Center was buzzing with activity. People ran this way and that checking on last-minute details. A long table was set up in the reception hall. Arms full, the Aldens headed toward it.
    â€œThe orchestra has arrived at the hotel!” someone said.
    â€œHurry!” Benny urged. “They’ll be here soon!”
    Henry and Jessie spread a long white cloth over the table. Then, Violet placed her centerpiece. Henry poured the punch he had made into two large bowls. Soo Lee and Benny arranged the cookies on plates. Jessie put out the sandwiches.
    They had just finished when Mr. Alden walked up. “Here’s someone I’d like you to meet,” he said. He turned to the young woman at his side. “This is orchestra member Melody Carmody.”
    Benny repeated her name silently. It had a musical sound.
    She had curly red hair and a warm smile, and was wearing a pretty blue dress. “I’m happy to meet you,” she said and put out her hand.
    â€œMelody?” Benny asked as he shook her hand.
    â€œYes,” she answered.
    â€œThat’s a good name for a musician,” he said.
    She laughed. Even her laugh was musical. “I come from a musical family,” she explained.
    â€œWhat instrument do you play?” Violet asked.
    â€œViolin.”
    â€œ First violin,” Mr. Alden added.
    Violet’s eyes grew big. She was talking to the most important violinist in the orchestra.
    â€œViolet plays violin, too,” Benny said. “Our cousin Joe taught her. Soo Lee here is his daughter. He’s teaching her to play now.”
    Melody looked at Violet and Soo Lee. “Perhaps you’d play for me while I’m here,” she said.
    Soo Lee shook her head. “I’m just learning,” she said.
    â€œNext time, then,” Melody said. “How about you, Violet?”
    Violet sputtered. “Oh, I — ”
    â€œShe’s good ,”Benny said.
    Melody nodded and smiled. “Then it’s settled.” She looked around. “I wonder what’s keeping Victor,” she said.
    â€œWho’s Victor?” Soo Lee asked.
    â€œVictor Perrelli, the conductor,” Violet told her.
    â€œWas he at the hotel?” Mr. Alden asked.
    â€œHe took a later plane,” Melody