me for nearly two months. she owed me seven dollars. Much to my surprise, she was home. She invited me in and not only did she pay me, she also gave me a dollar tip.

　　On the way home, I walked past a Christmas tree shop and the idea hit me. The selection wasn't very good because it was so close to the holiday, but there was this one real nice tree. It had been a very expensive tree and no one had bought it; now it was so close to Christmas that the man was afraid no one would.

　　He wanted ten dollars for it, but when I told him what I had, he said he might sell it for that. I really didn't want to spend the whole money on the tree, but it was so pretty that I finally agreed. I dragged it all the way home and I tried hard not to damage it. I arrived at home at last. My heart was bursting as I announced that I had a surprise.

　　"Where did you get that tree?" my mother exclaimed. But it wasn't the kind of exclamation that indicates pleasure. After she knew the truth, she said that I was going to end up in the poorhouse(救济院) because I believe in stupid things like Christmas trees. My mother had never talked to me like that before and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

4. Why did the writer's mother refuse a tree?

A. Because she couldn't afford a dead Christmas tree.

B. Because she thought it was unreasonable to have a tree.

C. Because she was much so proud that she felt better.

D. Because she thought she wasn't very proud of herself.

5. How did the writer feel when he got home?

A. Upset and calm. B. Anxious and happy.

C. Proud and excited. D. Sorry and confused.

6. What made the shop owner sell the tree?

A. His pity on the writer's situation B. His desire of offering help

C. His worry of keeping the tree. D. His kindness of helping others

7. What the writer's mother said in the last paragraph means ______.

A. she was pleased B. she was angry

C. she was doubtful D. she was embarrassed

【答案】4. B 5. C 6. C 7. B

【解析】