C
It was Peter’s tenth birthday. Father was at work, but his sisters, Bobbie and Phyllis, and his mother all gave him presents in the morning. One of these presents was a model engine, and Peter was overjoyed.
Peter’s joy didn’t last for long because the engine suddenly went bang! Peter was very unhappy. His sisters said he had cried, but Peter insisted his eyes were red because of a cold.
After Father came home that evening, Peter told him the story of the broken engine. Mother came in and said that two gentlemen wanted to see Father. “They’re in the next room,” she added. “I hope they will leave soon because it’s nearly the children’s bedtime.”
But the visitors stayed until late. Mother told the children a story about a princess with green eyes. It was difficult for the children to listen because of the voices from the next room. Father’s voice sounded louder than usual.
Ruth, the maid, came in. “He wants you to go in, ma’am,” she said to Mother. “I think he’s had bad news. Be ready for the worst.”
So Mother went into the next room, and there was more talking. Later, Mother came back, and her face was pale. “It’s bedtime,” she said.
“But you promised we could stay up with Father!” said Phyllis.
“Father had to leave—on business,” said Mother.
The children kissed her and went to bed. Bobbie lingered. She hugged Mother and whispered, “It wasn’t bad news, was it, Mummy? Did anyone die?”
“Nobody died,” said Mother, and she almost seemed to push Bobbie away.
When the children woke up the next morning, Mother was gone. “I think something awful has happened,” said Peter during breakfast. “I asked Ruth, and she said we would find out soon.”
It was seven o’clock in the evening when Mother came home. She looked worn. After she rested and had a cup of tea, she said, “My darlings, I want to tell you something. Those men did bring very bad news last night. Father won’t be here for some time. I am very worried, and you can help me by being good and not quarrelling.”
( )8. Peter was unhappy because ______.
A. his eyes looked very ugly B. his model engine broke
C. his family caught a cold D. his mother didn’t buy him a gift
( )9. The visitors made Father ______.
A. become angry B. fix the model engine
C. have a good time D. do business with them
( )10. What does the underlined word “lingered” mean in the passage?
A. Was very tired and sleepy. B. Had a secret to tell someone.
C. Was not willing to leave at once. D. Became too excited to fall asleep.
( )11. What’s the best title for the passage?
A. Peter’s birthday gifts. B. Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter.
C. Stories about a poor family. D. Unexpected birthday visitors.