儿童英语读物 The Mystery of the Stolen Music CHAPTER 9 The Invitation

“Now, we have to tell Grandfather about Melody and the mysterious man,” Jessie said as they walked to the Civic¹ Center.

Benny had another idea. “We should call the police! That’s what we should do!”

“We can’t do that,” Violet protested. “We don’t know what was in those envelopes.”

“You’re right, Violet,” agreed Jessie. “We can’t accuse Melody without proof.”

“Maybe we should talk to her,” Henry said. “Tell her what we saw. If she didn’t steal the score, she’ll explain what’s going on.”

“And if she did steal it?” Soo Lee wanted to know.

“Then we’re in hot water,” Henry said.

Soo Lee looked puzzled. “Hot water?” she repeated.

They were at the Civic Center.

“I’ll explain later,” Henry told her as they went inside.

The musicians were assembled on the stage. Melody was in her proper place to Victor’s left. The Aldens thought she had a guilty look on her face.

Janet Muller slid into the aisle² beside Jessie. “I don’t suppose there’s anything new on the missing score?”

“Nothing,” Jessie answered.

Then, Victor hit a downbeat and the music began. This rehearsal³ went well. After it was over, the audience clapped loudly.

Victor stepped to the edge of the stage. “I can see you are easily pleased,” he said, but it was obvious that he, too, was happy. He turned to the orchestra. “Take a long lunch,” he told them. It was his way of saying they had played well.

Today, lunch was set up in the reception hall. Benny walked beside the long table looking at the food. There were salads of all kinds: vegetable, pasta, egg, tuna, bean, and potato. At either end was a large meat and cheese tray. Baskets held different kinds of bread. Fruit filled several bowls.

Jessie filled her plate with pasta salad and rye bread. “What’re you going to have, Benny?” Jessie asked.

Benny shook his head. “It all looks so good, I can’t decide.”

“Which means you’ve decided⁴ to have some of everything,” Henry said.

Benny pretended he hadn’t thought of that. “What a good idea, Henry,” he said and began to take samples of every single dish.

They took their plates to chairs along the wall.

Just then, Melody came in from the auditorium⁵ with Janet Muller. They headed toward the Aldens.

“There you are!” Melody said as though she’d been looking for them. “How would you like to meet me at the hotel early tomorrow? They set out rolls and juice every morning. We could eat and then come back here. I’m going to try my solo on stage. I could use an audience.”

“We’d love to!” Violet exclaimed. She was sure Melody couldn’t be the thief.
 

1 civic   

adj.城市的，都市的，市民的，公民的

参考例句：

• I feel it is my civic duty to vote.我认为投票选举是我作为公民的义务。
• The civic leaders helped to forward the project.市政府领导者协助促进工程的进展。

2 aisle   

n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道

参考例句：

• The aisle was crammed with people.过道上挤满了人。
• The girl ushered me along the aisle to my seat.引座小姐带领我沿着通道到我的座位上去。

3 rehearsal   

n.排练，排演；练习

参考例句：

• I want to play you a recording of the rehearsal.我想给你放一下彩排的录像。
• You can sharpen your skills with rehearsal.排练可以让技巧更加纯熟。

4 decided   

adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的

参考例句：

• This gave them a decided advantage over their opponents.这使他们比对手具有明显的优势。
• There is a decided difference between British and Chinese way of greeting.英国人和中国人打招呼的方式有很明显的区别。

5 auditorium   

n.观众席，听众席；会堂，礼堂

参考例句：

• The teacher gathered all the pupils in the auditorium.老师把全体同学集合在礼堂内。
• The stage is thrust forward into the auditorium.舞台向前突出，伸入观众席。