Lovell had been away for ten years. He had saved enough money to start a little store through hard work. Before he would run his business, he went back to see Aunt Sally and Uncle Tom. After his parents died, they gave him a home. It was their teachings made as much a man of him as he was.     

However, when he got to the house, he found the windows were boarded up (封闭). Being surprised, he visited the neighbour, Mrs. Stetson and was told Aunt Sally and Uncle Tom lived in the poorhouse (济贫院).     

“Uncle Tom got seriously ill and Aunt Sally was too weak to work.” Mrs. Stetson said slowly. “They needed money so they sold the house.”     

Lovell was silent for a while. Then he asked in a weak voice, “who owns the house now?” “Peter Townley. All the furniture was sold too, and that almost killed Aunt Sally. She and Uncle Tom will have been married fifty years and it’s awful to have to celebrate their golden wedding (金婚) in the poorhouse.”     

Lovell left after the tea and came again the next evening. “I’ve bought the house from Peter Townley,” he said to Mrs. Stetson, “▲” For the next two weeks, they visited every house where Aunt Sally’s furniture could be found. They also asked for help from their neighbours to prepare the anniversary (纪念日).     

Finally, the evening of the anniversary came. Lovell drove Aunt Sally and Uncle Tom to the old house. Thinking she would spend her anniversary in the poorhouse, Aunt Sally was so surprised that she gave a cry as she entered her house. Her old furniture was back, and the house was full of their old friends. Tears of happiness streamed down her face.     

They had a celebration in the house. There were speeches, songs and stories. Lovell kept himself in the background and helped cut the cake all the evening. When the guests had gone, he went to Aunt Sally and Uncle Tom.     

“Here’s a little anniversary present,” he put a red purse into Aunt Sally’s hand. “There’s enough money to keep you from having to go to the poorhouse again.”     

“We can’t take it, Lovell,” protested Aunt Sally.     

“Don’t worry,” laughed Lovell. “I’ve got plenty of money now. It is time for me to pay back.”       

“Lovell,” said Uncle Tom. “You don’t know what everything you’ve done means to Sally and me.”     

The next day, Lovell said goodbye and went on his way. “You’ve just got enough left to buy the train ticket and you are not able to afford your little store,” he said to himself, “but think about how you feel. It’s not such a bad deal.”

【小题1】Why weren’t Aunt Sally and Uncle Tom in the house when Lovell visited?

A．Because they didn’t want to meet Lovell.

B．Because they had sold their house for living.

C．Because they got ill and were in the hospital.

D．Because they were preparing for the anniversary.

【小题2】Which of the following can be put into ▲ in Paragraph 5?

A．Please help me with my other plans.

B．Come to the anniversary two weeks later.

C．I’m worried about Uncle Tom and Aunt Sally.

D．Let’s tell Uncle Tom and Aunt Sally the good news.

【小题3】What is the best title for the passage?

A．A Poor Family

B．A Helpful Neighbour

C．The Old House

D．The Anniversary Present

【小题4】What did Lovell mean by saying “It’s not such a bad deal.” at the end of the story? （请用约40词回答。）

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