大学英语精读第1册 第3课 课文及课后答案.doc

Unit 3 Text They say that blood is thicker than water, that our relatives are more important to us than others. Everyone was so kind to the old lady on her birthday. Surely her daughter would make an even bigger effort to please her? The Present It was the old lady’s birthday. She got up early to be ready for the post. From the second floor flat she could see the postman when he came down the street, and the little boy from the ground floor brought up her letters on the rare occasions when anything came. Today she was sure there would be something. Myra wouldn’t forget her mother’s birthday, even if she seldom wrote at other times. Of course Myra was busy. Her husband had been made Mayor, and Myra herself had got a medal for her work for the aged. The old lady was proud of Myra, but Enid was the daughter she loved. Enid had never married, but had seemed content to live with her mother, and teach in a primary school round the corner. One evening, however, Enid said, “I’ve arranged for Mrs.Morrison to look after you for a few days, Mother. Tomorrow I have to go into hospital – just a minor operation. I’ll soon be home.” In the morning she went, but never came back – she died on the operating table. Myra came to the funeral, and in her efficient way arranged for Mrs. Morrison to come in and light the fire and give the old lady her breakfast. Two years ago that was, and since then Myra had been to see her mother three times, but her husband never. The old lady was eighty today. She had put on her best dress. Perhaps – perhaps Myra might come. After all, eighty was a special birthday, another decade lived or endured just as chose to look at it. Even if Myra did not come, she would send a present. The old lady was sure of that. Two spots of colour brightened her cheeks. She was excited – like a child. She would enjoy her day. Yesterday Mrs. Morrison had given the flat an extra clean, and today she had brought a card and a bunch of marigolds whe