I searched my head for something I'd read recently, something distinguished (出众的) that might please him.

　　"I'm reading the autobiography of Sean O'Casey."

　　" Quote me a line."

　　My heart jumped and pounded. My mouth was dry. I could think of nothing from O'Casey that would match the grand passages Dahlberg quoted from the ancient masters. I mumbled (含糊地说), "Well, I admire O'Casey for the natural way he writes about his life growing up in Dublin."

　　He nodded toward me. If you admire so-called natural writing you can always look at the walls of a public toilet.

　　The admirers laughed. My face was hot and I said without thinking, "O'Casey fought his way out of the slums (贫民窟) of Dublin. He was half blind. He's a ... a ... champion of the worker ... He's as good as you anytime. The whole world knows Sean O'Casey. Who ever heard of you?"

　　He shook his head for the benefit of his admirers and they shook their heads in agreement. He called to R'lene, "Tell your high school boy to leave my presence. He's not welcome here though his charming wife is welcome to stay."

24. What was Edward's attitude towards the mentioned writers?

A. He looked down on them. B. He considered them out of date.

C. He showed deep admiration for them. D. He owed his literary achievement to them.

25. What was Edward's reaction to being introduced to the author?

A. He simply ignored the author. B. He greeted the author politely.

C. He gave the author a cold welcome. D. He questioned the author's sincerity.

26. How did the author feel at the suggestion of quoting a line?

A. Confused. B. Uneasy. C. Impatient. D. Dissatisfied.

27. How did the author face others' laughter?

A. He fell completely silent. B. He laughed back at them.

C. He escaped from the room. D. He voiced his inner anger.