Speedy and Steady
“Well, Amy, how are you getting on with your napkin(餐巾)?” cried Lizzy, whose skillful fingers seemed to fly over her work. “Not very fast, I have almost finished one side.” answered Amy.
“One side!” said Lizzy, with a ________ which was neither pleasant nor kind, “why, we both began hemming our napkins at the same time, and I’m now at the fourth side of mine!”
“I know that I am ________,” sighed Amy. “But I’ll try to be steady(稳), and to do my best,” said the little girl, as she threaded her tiny needle, and went on with her work.
“As I sew so fast,” cried Lizzy, “I am sure to have finished my napkin long before the bell rings for ________. I’ll just run for a minute to the garden, to see if the roses are out.” —so, tossing down her work on a chair, Lizzy flew off.
Amy ________ for the fresh air and the flowers, but her work must first be done. Steadily she laid down her broad hem, and had finished the second side of her napkin before her sister came back.
Then Lizzy left again for a cup of coffee. Amy went on with her work. Before her sister again entered the room, the ________ side of her napkin was hemmed.
“Had you not better finish your sewing?” said Amy, “It must be near dinner time now.” “Oh! I can finish it in two minutes, only I want to look at that story, which Tom told us was so amusing.” Lizzy replied impatiently.
“But if you are late?” murmured Amy.
“No ________ of that!” cried Lizzy, “No one is so likely to be late as a slow little creature like you!”
Poor Amy made no reply, but quietly she worked on. Lizzy was soon so ________ in her story that she forgot all about her work, till shocked by the sound of the bell.
“Can it be dinner-time!” she cried, “Oh dear, and my napkin is not hemmed! And yours?”
“It is just finished.” said Amy.
“It is just like ‘The Hare and the Tortoise’.” thought Lizzy, who had enough of sense to ________ a lesson.
Quickness may have the start, but the quiet, steady worker does most in the end.
13. A.laugh | B.smile | C.hello | D.kiss |
14. A.slow | B.smart | C.poor | D.busy |
15. A.class | B.dinner | C.show | D.bed |
16. A.waited | B.longed | C.called | D.asked |
17. A.first | B.second | C.third | D.fourth |
18. A.idea | B.doubt | C.excuse | D.fear |
19. A.happy | B.frightened | C.confused | D.deep |
20. A.give | B.pass | C.take | D.teach |