Q: CHAPTER XX.

MR WHITTLESTAFF TAKES HIS JOURNEY.

Mr Whittlestaff did at last get into the train and have himself carried up to London. And he ate his sandwiches and drank his sherry with an air of supreme satisfaction,--as though he had carried his point. And so he had. He had made up his mind on a certain matter; and, with the object of doing a certain piece of work, he had escaped from the two dominant women of his household, who had done their best to intercept him. So far his triumph was complete. But as he sat silent in the corner of the carriage, his mind reverted to the purpose of his journey, and he cannot be said to have been triumphant. He knew it all as well as did Mrs Baggett. And he knew too that, except Mrs Baggett and the girl herself, all the world was against him. That ass Montagu Blake every time he opened his mouth as to his own bride let out the idea that John Gordon should have his bride because John Gordon was young and lusty, and because he, Whittlestaff, might be regarded as an old man. The Miss Halls were altogether of the same opinion, and were not slow to express it. All Alresford would know it, and would sympathise with John Gordon. And as it came to be known that he himself had given up the girl whom he loved, he could read the ridicule which would be conveyed by the smiles of his neighbours.

Answer the following questions:
1. Where did Mr. Whittlestaff go?
2. Was he drinking vodka?
3. What was he drinking?
4. Did he eat anything?
5. what was it?
6. Who was thought to deserve his bride?
7. How come?
8. What about Whittlestaff?
9. Who else thought so?
10. Who would be on Gordon's side?
11. Anyone else?
A: 1. London
2. no
3. sherry
4. yes
5. sandwiches
6. John Gordon
7. John Gordon was young and lusty
8. he was regarded as an old man
9. The Hall sisters.
10. Mrs Baggett and the girl
11. no
Q: What's your favorite cartoon? It may be difficult for you to decide. But for pianist Lang Lang, Tom and Jerry is the best one. When Lang was two years old, he saw Tom play the piano. This was his first time to enjoy western music and this experience encouraged him to learn to play the piano. His talent at the keyboard has taken him from Shenyang to the world. Lang became a good piano student at three. Ever since, the boy has been doing better and better. In 1997, the 15-year-old boy studied at a famous American music college. Lang's performances are energetic. He is well-known for making facial expressions and moving around while playing the piano. The road to success has never been easy. Lang's father stopped his job to look after him, while his mother stayed in Shenyang to make money. But Lang thinks himself lucky and believes he should give something back. He has helped the children in poor areas a lot.

Answer the following questions:
1. Who likes Tom and Jerry best?
2. Where was he from?
3. When did he become talented at piano?
4. Are his shows slow?
5. What are they like?
6. What happens with his face?
7. What did his dad do?
8. What did his mom do?
9. Why?
10. Why does Lang like that cartoon?
A: 1. Lang Lang
2. Shenyang
3. three
4. no
5. energetic
6. expressions
7. stopped his job
8. stayed in Shenyang
9. to make money
10. to enjoy western music
Q: CHAPTER XII

Vivian read the note over a thousand times. He could not retire to rest. He called Essper George, and gave him all necessary directions for the morning. About three o'clock Vivian lay down on a sofa, and slept for a few hours. He started often in his short and feverish slumber. His dreams were unceasing and inexplicable. At first von Sohnspeer was their natural hero; but soon the scene shifted. Vivian was at Ems, walking under the well-remembered lime-trees, and with the Baroness. Suddenly, although it was mid-day, the Sun became large, blood-red, and fell out of the heavens; his companion screamed, a man rushed forward with a drawn sword. It was the idiot Crown Prince of Reisenburg. Vivian tried to oppose him, but without success. The infuriated ruffian sheathed his weapon in the heart of the Baroness. Vivian shrieked, and fell upon her body, and, to his horror, found himself embracing the cold corpse of Violet Fane!

Vivian and Essper mounted their horses about seven o'clock. At eight they had reached a small inn near the Forest Councillor's house, where Vivian was to remain until Essper had watched the entrance of the Minister. It was a few minutes past nine when Essper returned with the joyful intelligence that Owlface and his master had been seen to enter the Courtyard. Vivian immediately mounted Max, and telling Essper to keep a sharp watch, he set spurs to his horse.

"Now, Max, my good steed, each minute is golden; serve thy master well!" He patted the horse's neck, the animal's erected ears proved how well it understood its master's wishes; and taking advantage of the loose bridle, which was confidently allowed it, the horse sprang rather than galloped to the Minister's residence. Nearly an hour, however, was lost in gaining the private road, for Vivian, after the caution in the Baroness's letter, did not dare the high road.

Answer the following questions:
1. How many people got on their steeds?
2. At what time?
3. Where were they going?
4. Next to what?
5. What time did they get there?
6. Who was staying there?
7. Who did Essper see that made him happy?
8. Where did he see them?
9. What is Vivian's horse named?
10. What does he relate to riches?
11. Was the animal responsive?
12. Why did it take a long time to travel?
13. Why take that one?
14. How many times did he look over a letter?
15. Was it easy to sleep?
16. When did he finally settle down?
17. He went to bed?
18. Where then?
19. What kind of dreaming did he do?
20. What happened to the sun in his dream?
A:
1. two
2. about seven o'clock
3. a small inn
4. the Forest Councillor's house
5. eight
6. Vivian
7. Owlface and his master
8. the Courtyard
9. Max
10. each minute
11. yes
12. they were on the private road
13. because of the caution in the Baroness's letter
14. a thousand times
15. No
16. About three o'clock
17. no
18. on a sofa
19. unceasing and inexplicable
20. it became large, blood-red, and fell out of the heavens