填空题 An opera and a rugged man
Our first trip to Colorado found us, tile last week of June, parking near a city playground where the boys could spend some of their pent-up energy on the swings and slides.
66. ______
After a time, a young couple passed by. She was wheeling a baby carriage anti the man, burly with long hair and a beard, was wearing a T-shirt anti jeans. He carried a basket of laundry and glanced up at the window, listening. I wondered what he'd make of such music, and I quickly learned, because he yelled up. "Aw, why don't you learn how to sing ? "
We were incensed and considered what we might have said in answer, marveling that the singer had not missed a note during the outburst. My husband was particularly upset. I was puzzled about the placid attitude of the man's wife; in the same situation, embarrassed, I'd certainly have spoken up. They entered the corner laundry and I hoped their basket contained long-drying blue jeans—not diapers for the latter would mean a quicker return.
67. ______
Anticipating the couple's return, I thought to pass this wisdom on to my husband, hut instead suggested that since the first outburst hadn't upset the singer, a second might well have the same result and we'd be wise to wait and see. (I was lecturing myself also, because I'm often as impatient as my husband.)
68. ______
Again, the passer-by opened his mouth and we tensed, waiting. Then, however, instead of another insult, he began to sing a superb duet with the performer upstairs. We were simply astounded, and when the couple had passed up the street we looked at one another sheepishly, grateful that with our usual impetuosity we had not rushed in with sarcastic comment. John confessed," I guess I was a little trigger happy there."
69. ______
The rehearsal ended and we collected the boys. Riding out Eureka Street, past the Opera House with its balconied front, I read from the guide book, "Built in 1874."We promised ourselves a return to Central City someday.
70. ______
A. "We both were," I agreed. "Maybe words need a waiting period before they are used." And I remembered something else from high school. Wasn't it Polonius who said. "Apparel often proclaims the man"? I decided in this case Polonius was wrong, and so was I to impute ignorance on the basis of a T-shirt and blue jeans.
B. There are few people, I imagine, except those who are already good lecturers or orators, to whom speaking on the wireless comes naturally.
C. The couple returned and I placed a restraining hand on John's arm, mindful of his safety, too, since the other man obviously had an advantage in weight.
D. You never know, we just might hear that duet in its entirety.
E. But I found myself remembering something from high school long ago. I bad imprudently wilted thoughts to one who had immediately passed those thoughts along. And when I had gone crying to my grandmother she said, "Well, my girl, now you know. Talk's cheap until you want to buy it hack."
F. Through the upstairs window in a nearby building, a man was rehearsing an operatic role—which one, I did not know. I only knew that he was a skilled professional with a beautiful voice. Listening, we felt we had been granted a great favor.