通读下面短文，掌握其大意，然后在各题所给的四个选项A、B、C、D中选出一个最佳选项。

It was a fine day. I started to think of getting the bank work out of the way. The bank clerk, an elderly gentleman with a white beard, was, __31__, gave me a nod.

When I put my form in front of him. He was busy filling in other forms. After a few minutes he took my form and started filling in. I sat there wondering __32__ we had computerized banking if we were still filling in forms by hand.

After waiting for a few more minutes, in which I showed all signs of being __33__ , I asked him if my work was done. He said, "__34__ is done, it will take time!"

Just then I saw his morning cup of __35__ which had been lying there for the last ten minutes, untouched. The tea had turned almost __36__ while he was doing his work. Suddenly I felt what this man, who had been working at this counter for the last God-knows-how-many years, __37__ be feeling when customers like me come who are always in a hurry to get their work done. We do not even feel the need to  them for being there. He must be feeling so impatiently that "here comes another person who will __38__ me for doing his work first."

Sincerely, I told him, "Sir, please have your tea, I am not in a hurry." This man, suddenly looked __39__ at me and for the first time we had eye contact—he had __40__ made eye contact before. I saw a different person there, another human being who was under the same __41__ as I always am.

I saw both of us sailing in the same __42__. I felt that he was also missing the small things in life like a hot cup of tea . He gave me a __43__ and said, "It is my daily job, you are not in a hurry but somebody else who will be in a hurry will come."

He really touched my __44__ with his words. I felt that all this time I thought of him as a robot, someone who was there for my convenience, but today I suddenly felt a strange communion with him. I am supposed to be more friendly to people who help me with my work and be __45__ that they are there for me.

31. A. as well            B. so far          C. so that         D. as usual

32. A. why              B. what           C. when          D. where

33. A. nervous           B. impatient        C. sad           D. relaxed

34. A. something         B. anything        C. everything      D. nothing

35. A. milk              B. coffee          C. tea            D. water

36. A. warm             B. cold           C. hot            D. cool

37. A. must             B. can             C. should         D. may

38. A. pull              B. put             C. push           D. promise

39. A. down             B. up             C. right           D. left

40. A. yet               B. already         C. never           D. ever

41. A. success            B. failure         C. surprise         D. pressure

42. A. boat              B. train           C. bus             D. plane

43. A. gift               B. smile          C. pen             D. paper

44. A. eye               B. ear            C. heart            D. hand

45. A.thankful           B. careful         C. hopeful          D. helpful

     Thank you, Mr. Morley, for your kind introduction. It was very nice of you to speak of me like that. While I was listening, I had trouble believing that I was the man you were talking about.

     My thanks go out to all of you for being here at this dinner. I look around and say to myself, "These people are my friends." And you know how good it is to be among friends.

     Seven years ago, I became the tennis coach (教练) at this school. I can remember arriving here as if it were yesterday. When ! started coaching, we only had a small team then, just three boys and two girls, and only one tennis court. So my first job was to increase the team. At the end of the first year, we had ten boys and six girls. And it seems like the team keeps getting stronger every year.

     I've been lucky to have some really good players to coach. Coaches love good players. Some great players from our school over the past years include Herbert Bradbury, Christopher Stanton and Emma Austen, all champions (冠军) during the years they played.

     Among the players on our team now is Arthur Burney, perhaps the best of them all. I'm sure you all join with me in wishing him good luck as he leaves for Capetown next week. He's our first student to enter the Capetown Junior International Tennis Tournament, where he will play against some of the best young tennis players in the world. Good luck, Ace!

     The time has come for me, however, to make a change. Recent health problems have made it difficult for me to continue coaching.

     I must say, I'm looking forward to my retirement (退休) with mixed feelings. I'm certainly ready for a long rest, but I'm a bit worried about what I'll do with all my spare time. You might find me coming down to watch the games from time to time. If you can still remember me, you might say hello.

     Thank you everyone. I'll miss you all.

38. What did the man say in the speech?

     A. He introduced a famous person.    B. He started a meeting.

     C. He would not work any more.      D. He thanked the school for an award.

39. Who were Bradbury, Stanton, and Austen?

     A. Ace's teachers                   B o other coaches at the school

     C. players on the team now          D. students from the past

40. What happens to Ace next week'?

     A. He leaves Capetown.             B. He's away from this school.

     C. He's unhealthy for work.          D. He comes to Emma Austen

41. How does he probably feel during the speech?

     A. Very surprised  B. Quite satisfied  C. A bit frightened     D. A little sad

42. What causes the speaker's retirement?

     A. His health problems.             B. The changes in the players.

     C. He's too old.                    D. He's sick of coaching.