Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together, they traveled around the world, adding only the 36 art treasures to their collection.
One year, as winter approached, 37 engulfed (吞没) the nation, and the young man left to 38 his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was 39 in action. The art collector 40 awaited more news, 41 he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were 42 . The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a doctor.
Upset and 43 , the old man faced the coming Christmas holidays with sadness. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the 44 old man. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a 45 with a large package in his hands.
He introduced himself to the old man by saying,“ I was a 46 of your son. I was the one he was 47 when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you.”
As the two began to 48 , the soldier told of how the man's son had told everyone of his, not to mention his father's 49 of fine art. “I am no 50 ,” said the soldier, “but I want to give you this.”
As the old man unwrapped the package, he saw a portrait his son. Though the world would 51 consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face 52 striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man 53 the soldier. After the soldier had left, the old man put the painting above the fireplace, pushing 54 thousands of dollars worth of art. His task completed, the old man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the 55 he had been given.
36. A. latest B. richest C. cheapest D. finest
37. A. war B. fire C. storm D. flood
38. A. save B. serve C. help D. build
39. A. fighting B. acting C. missing D. dying
40. A. anxiously B. calmly C. quietly D. secretly
4l. A. wondering B. doubting C. fearing D. expecting
42. A.comp1eted B. doubled C. removed D. confirmed
43. A. lonely B. tired C. nervous D. frightened
44. A. sad B. puzzled C. angry D. worried
45. A. farmer B. soldier C. painter D. seller
46. A. friend B. photographer C. partner D. guard
47. A. rescuing B. carrying C. guarding D. hiding
48. A. argue B. move C. talk D. eat
49. A. description B. love C. sense D. understanding
50. A. reporter B. businessman C. hero D. artist
5l. A. sometimes B. often C. never D. still
52. A. for B. in C. of D. on
53. A. treated B. questioned C. welcomed D. thanked
54. A. own B. aside C. up D. off
55. A. treasure B. souvenir C. gift D. package