A Welcome Gift
Dario and his mother loved their new apartment. The living room was large enough for their piano. That night, the two of them 1side by side at the piano. They played jazz music to celebrate their new home. The loud 2filled the room and made them feel very happy.
The next morning, 3, their happiness disappeared. Someone had left a 4under their door during the night. One of their neighbor had written to complain(抱怨) about the sound of the piano. Dario’s mother asked the building superintendent(管理员) if he knew anything about it. But he said that they were all 5people and he couldn’t imagine any of them had done that. Later that morning, Dario suggested that they write a letter to their 6and apologize for their playing.
“Maybe we could go and 7everyone in person.” his mother said.
“What if we invited them to come here for a 8instead? Dario asked.
They both loved the 9. Over the next few days, they sent out invitations and prepared desserts 10their guests. They decorated the apartment with streamers(彩带) and party lights.
Finally, the day of the party 11. Some guests brought presents. Others brought flowers. Some even brought desserts to 12. One woman, Mrs. Gilbert, 13Dario’s mother with a book of piano music by Chopin.
“I heard you playing the other night,” she said. “The sounds woke me out of bed. I 14that you might play like this every night. So I wrote a short note. I hope you don’t think I disliked the playing.”
Dario’s mother smiled at Mrs. Gilbert. “I think maybe we 15you an apology.” she said. “I didn’t 16how late it was when we were playing. Maybe we should play some quieter music at night.
“You play, you play!” Mrs. Gilbert said. “I like what you play! Just not so loud at night.” She pointed to the book she had given them. “These songs are not such 17music.”
“These songs are beautiful music.” Dario’s mother said. “We will be 18to play them in the evening.”
“And we won’t play so loud or late!” Dario said. He was already looking forward to 19the new music. More than that, however, he was happy to see the big smile on his mother’s face. It gave him a feeling of 20and made him feel that they were home at last.
1.A. sat B. stood C. lay D. walked
2.A. voice B. ring C. music D. cry
3.A. therefore B. however C. otherwise D. instead
4.A. note B. poster C. bill D. report
5.A. proud B. rich C. lucky D. nice
6.A. neighbors B. friends C. relatives D. audience
7.A. blame B. instruct C. question D. visit
8.A. party B. concert C. show D. play
9.A. experience B. idea C. performance D. action
10.A. to B. with C. for D. from
11.A. continued B. arrived C. passed D. finished
12.A. order B. sell C. share D. advertise
13.A. treated B. presented C. helped D. served
14.A. promised B. admitted C. agreed D. worried
15.A. give B. send C. offer D. owe
16.A. realize B. remember C. understand D. accept
17.A. sweet B. strange C. funny D. loud
18.A. brave B. sorry C. happy D. afraid
19.A. changing B. practicing C. recording D. writing
20.A. equality B. freedom C. warmth D. sympathy