The old lady was proud of Myra, but Enid was the daughter she loved. Enid had never married, but had seemed content to live with her mother, and teach in a primary school 小学round the corner.

One evening, however, Enid said, "I've arranged for Mrs. Morrison to look after you for a few days, Mother. Tomorrow I have to go into hospital--just a minor operation, I'll soon be home."

n the morning she went, but never came back--she died on the operating table. Myra came to the funeral, and in her efficient way arranged for Mrs. Morrison to come in and light the fire and give the old lady her breakfast.

Two years ago that was, and since then Myra had been to see her mother three times, but her husband never.

The old lady was eight today. She had put on her best dress. Perhaps--perhaps Myra might come. After all, eighty was a special birthday, another decade lined or endured just as you chose to look at it.

NEW WORDS

primary
a. first; earliest 首要的；最初的
arrange
vi. make preparations; plan 作安排，筹划 arrange for sb. to do sth.
minor 反义词major
a. not serious or important 较小的；次要的
operate
vi. cut the body in order to set right or remove a diseased part 开刀，动手术
operating table
n. a special table in a hospital, where operations are done 手术台
funeral
n. 葬礼
efficient n 效率efficiency 反义词inefficient
a. able to plan and work well 效率高的