I was on a bus one March evening. The driver didn’t 36 to start the bus soon because it was not yet 37 . A middle-aged woman got on. Tired and sad, she told her story 38 , not to anyone in particular. On her way to the station, half of her 39 was stolen. The other half was hidden under her blouse, so she 40 still had some left. A few minutes later, she stopped crying, but still looked 41 .
When all the seats were taken, the driver started the engine. The conductor began to collect fares(车费). When she came to an old man in worn-out clothes, he 42 that he had spent all his money when he had accidentally got on a wrong bus and now he was trying to go home. On hearing this, she ordered the old man to 43 the bus. The old man was almost in tears as he 44 her to let him take the bus home. The driver took the conductor’s side and repeated the conductor’s 45 .
The woman was watching the incident. 46 the driver and the conductor raised their voices at the old man, she interfered(干预).
“Stop 47 him! Can’t you see he’s only trying to get home?”
“He doesn’t have any money! ” the driver 48 .
“Well, that’s no 49 to throw him off the bus,” she insisted.
Then she reached inside her blouse, look out her 50 money, and handed it to the conductor. “Here’s his fare and mine. Just stop giving him a 51 time.”
All heads turned to the woman. “It’s only money,” she shrugged.
She rode the rest of the way home 52 a happy smile, with the money she’d lost earlier 53 .
On the road of life, the help of strangers can 54 our loads and lift our spirits. How much sweeter the 55 will be when we make it a little smoother for others!
36. A. try B. care C. decide D. intend
37. A. empty B. full C. crowded D. ready
38. A. tearfully B. seriously C. carefully D. calmly
39. A. fare B. possession C. money D. wealth
40. A. strangely B. happily C. secretly D. fortunately
41. A. unsatisfied B. weak C. unhappy D. excited
42. A. explained B. declared C. admitted D. found
43. A. get off B. start C. get on D. stop
44. A. begged B. scolded C. praised D. thanked
45. A. request B. action C. suggestion D. command
46. A. Unless B. Although C. Until D. When
47. A. attacking B. bothering C. blaming D. wronging
48. A. warned B. whispered C. shouted D. repeated
49. A. problem B. need C. matter D. reason
50. A. spending B. collected C. remaining D. borrowed
51. A. busy B. cold C. hard D. fearful
52. A. giving B. wearing C. taking D. forcing
53. A. forgotten B. used C. earned D. returned
54. A. move B. increase C. lighten D. carry
55. A. world B. journey C. smile D. friendship
