请认真阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

It was Christmas 1961. I was teaching in a small town where my twenty-seven third graders eagerly 36 the great day of gift-giving in advance.

Each day the children produced some new 37 — strings of popcorn, handmade trinkets, and German bell. Through it all she remained alone, 38 from a distance, seemingly miles away. I wondered what 39 happen to this quiet child, once so happy, now suddenly so withdrawn. I hoped the festivities would 40 her. But nothing did. The students made the fried marbles(油炸玻璃弹子)and competed with one anther to bring the 41 ones.

The day of gift-giving finally came. We cheered over our handiwork as the presents were 42 . All along, she sat quietly watching. To see her smile, I had made a special bag for her. She opened it so slowly and carefully. I waited but she 43 . I had not passed through the wall of isolation she had 44 around herself.

After school I sat down in a chair, hardly 45 of what was happening, when she came to me with outstretched hands, bearing a small white box, and slightly soiled, 46 it had been held many times by 47 , childish hands. She said nothing. “For me?” I asked. She said not a word, but 48 her head. I took the box and cautiously opened it. There inside, glistening green, a fried marble 49 from a golden chain. Then I looked into that eight-year-old 50 and saw the question in her dark brown eyes. In a flash I knew — she had 51 it for her mother, who had died just three weeks before and would never hold her or brush her hair or 52 her childish joys or sorrows.

I meant it when I whispered, “Oh, Maria, it is so beautiful. Your mother would 53 it.” Neither of us could stop the 54 . She threw herself into my arms and we wept together. And for that brief moment I became her mother, for she had given me the greatest 55 of all: her trust and love.

36. A. prepared B. reserved C. expected D. waited

37. A. fancies B. impressions C. wonders D. possessions

38. A. looking B. playing C. searching D. watching

39. A. would B. should C. must D. needed

40. A. attend to B. appeal to C. listen to D. object to

41. A. prettiest B. wisest C. heaviest D. naughtiest

42. A. transformed B. informed C. exchanged D. deserted

43. A. gave away B. threw away C. carried away D. turned away

44. A. built B. adjusted C. offered D. filled

45. A. afraid B. aware C. content D. fond

46. A. when B. while C. as though D. even if

47. A. untouched B. unknown C. unwashed D. unpacked

48. A. nodded B. raised C. dropped D. turned

49. A. protected B. hung C. held D. escaped

50. A. face B. cheek C. hair D. forehead

51. A. bought B. exchanged C. made D. stole

52. A. appreciate B. enjoy C. communicate D. share

53. A. love B. benefit C. dislike D. need

54. A. laugh B. excitement C. tears D. description

55. A. joy B. identity C. contribution D. gift