意外的表扬(A Surprise Praise)
the hostess was to have a party and entertain guests at home. she busied herself so early in the morning, dusting the furniture, mopping the floor, cleaning the desks and chairs and the windows. she was so tired that she felt pain in her waist and on the back. drops of swseat fell from her forehead. she did not finish cleaning the house till dusk.
looking at the clean and tidy drawing room, she released a sigh and there was a smile on her face.the guests are coming! putting a bunch of fresh flowers casually in the vase, the hostess hurried to the door to welcome the guests.as soon as they entered the drawing room, they were attracted by the fresh flowers. surprisingly pleased, they cheered in praise, "oh, what boautiful flowers!"
"how colorful and fragrant!"
"just a look at it, and life is full of pleasure!"
then they went on to express their thanks to the hostess for her delicately arranged flowers.
with an embarrassed smile, the hostess said," i am glad you like it. thank you for your praise. i was a bit surprised about it. i did make detailed arrangement for your honor. i was busy the whole day cleaning and moppiag. as to the flowers in the vase, it is a piece of cake. i did it by just lifting my hand. now you are unaware of my hard work and praise me highly for my easiest effort. it is beyond my expectation."
