1 . When my father was getting ready for work, our house was ruled by _________ and words. He used to come downstairs to _________ .

The morning paper lay beside his plate. He always read the “Deaths” first, and then he knocked _________ on the table. One of my sisters brought his bread, already _________ for him. Usually he said nothing,   _________ once I heard him say, “I love you very much, Edith. I would love _________ if you buttered my bread on both sides.” He read the paper all through breakfast.

Two knocks on the table meant “I am ready for my tea.” If a single knock followed, that meant, “More _________ , please.”

_________ a breakfast he said, “Boots.” The paper was spread (展开) for him over the _________ of an arm chair. Yesterday’s paper was put on the chair for his feet, and his boots were brought to him,   __________ cleaned. He read standing at the same time putting on his boots. With one boot __________ he said, “Bus.” At that point one of the girls went outside to the garden gate and __________ there. Her job was to __________ a bus when it came. It came __________ sometimes and it had to wait for my father. “Overcoat, hat.” One of my sisters had already brushed his overcoat. Now she held it __________ for him. __________ girl came with his hat, nicely brushed. “Handkerchief, pipe (烟斗).” They were brought and put, with his tobacco (烟草), into his pocket. He looked out of the window and said __________ “Walking stick” or “Umbrella”. It was handed to him. Ready now, he was __________ reading the paper. He didn’t put it down __________ he heard the shout “Bus coming!” Then he kissed my mother and went out. The girls breathed freely.

How lucky a man was to have a wife and five __________ .