They say that blood is thicker than water, that our relatives are more important to us than others. Everyone was so kind to the old lady on her birthday. Surely her daughter would make an even bigger effort to please he?

The Present

Then clatter, clatter up the stairs. Johnnie knocked at her door.

"Granny, granny," he shouted, "I've got your post."

He gave her four envelopes. Three were unsealed cards from old friends. The fourth was sealed, in Myra's writing. The old lady felt a pang of disappointment.一阵失望

"No parcel, Johnnie?"

"No, granny."

Maybe the parcel was too large to come by letter post. That was it. It would come later by parcel post. She must be patient.

Almost reluctantly she tore the envelope open. Folded in the card was a piece of paper. Written on the card was a message under the printed Happy Birthday -- Buy yourself something nice with the cheque, Myra and Harold.

The cheque fluttered to the floor like a bird with a broken wing. Slowly the old lady stooped to pick it up. Her present, her lovely present. With trembling fingers she tore it into little bits.

reluctantly
ad. unwillingly 不情愿地，勉强地
reluctant
a.
fold
vt. bend into two or more parts 折叠
cheque =check
n. 支票
flutter
vt. move quickly to and fro in the air 飘动
stoop =bend
vi. bend the body forwards and downwards 弯腰
tremble
vi. shake uncontrollably with quick short movements 颤抖