四、閱讀測驗
A very young Mouse, who had never seen anything of the world, almost came to grief the very first time he
ventured out. As soon as he got home, he told his mother about his adventures.
“I was strolling along very peaceably when, just as I turned the corner into the next yard, I saw two strange
creatures. One of them had a very kind and gracious look, but the other was the most fearful monster you can
imagine. You should have seen him.”
The Mouse went on, “On the head of the fearful one and in front of his neck hung pieces of raw red meat. He
walked about restlessly, tearing up the ground with his toes, and beating his arms savagely against his sides. The
moment he caught sight of me, he opened his pointed mouth as if to swallow me, and then he let out a piercing roar
that frightened me almost to death.”
“If it had not been for that terrible monster,” the Mouse said, a little upset, “I should have made the
acquaintance of the pretty creature, who looked so good and gentle. He had thick, velvety fur, a meek face, and a
look that was very modest, though his eyes were bright and shining. As he looked at me, he waved his fine long tail
and smiled. I’m sure he was just about to speak to me when the monster I have told you about let out a screaming
yell, and I ran for my life.”
“My son,” said the Mother Mouse, “that gentle-looking creature you saw was none other than the Cat. Under
his kindly appearance, he bears a grudge against every one of us. He eats us. As for the other, despite his fierce
look, he wouldn’t harm you in the least. So be thankful, my child, that you escaped with your life.”
【題組】50. Which of the following is closest in meaning to the word grudge?
(A) Faith. (B) Secret. (C) Hatred. (D) Interest.