"I could study a beautiful painting for hours and hours," Amy remarked, sinking down into a chair opposite the mantel.
"So could I," Penny agreed, gazing with a rapt expression at the hideous picture. As an apparent afterthought she turned to the maid who stood waiting. "If you don't mind, we'll just sit here for a few minutes and admire it."
"Certainly, Miss. If you'll excuse me I'll go on with my dusting."
The instant the maid had gone from the library, Penny pulled on the silken rope and the hidden panel was revealed. She jerked aside the velvet curtain to disclose the Rembrandt.
"You'll have to make a quick examination," she warned. "That maid may come back any minute."
Amy studied the painting critically. When she did not speak, Penny impatiently asked for her opinion.
"I believe it's merely a copy of the original, although a rather clever copy. Rembrandt was very skillful in his method of handling light and shade—in this picture it is all lost."
"Then I was right!" Penny cried triumphantly.
"My opinion may not be right, Penny. If I could see the painting in a better light—"
With an anxious glance toward the library door, Penny hastened to the window and pulled aside the heavy draperies. A beam of sunlight fell across the picture.