Raised in a motherless home, my father was extremely tight-fisted(吝啬的) towards us children.

Raised in a motherless home, my father was extremely tight-fisted(吝啬的) towards us children. His attitude didn’t soften as I grew into adulthood and went to college. I had to ride the bus whenever I came home. Though the bus stopped about two miles from home, Dad never met me, even in severe weather. If I grumbled, he’d say in his loudest father-voice, “That’s what your legs are for!”
The walk didn’t bother me as much as the fear of walking alone along the highway and country roads. I also felt less valued because my father didn’t seem concerned about my safety. But that feeling was changed one spring evening.
It had been a particularly difficult week at college after long hours in labs. I was dying for home. When the bus reached the stop, I stepped off the bus and dragged my suitcase to begin the long journey home.
A row of hedges(树篱) edged the driveway that climbed the hill to our house. Once I had turned off the highway to start the last lap of my journey, I always had a sense of relief to see the hedge because it meant that I was almost home. On that particular evening, the hedge had just come into view when I saw something gray moving along the top of the hedge toward the house. Upon closer observation, I realized it was the top of my father’s head. Then I knew, each time I came home, he had stood behind the hedge, watching, until he knew I had arrived safely. I swallowed hard against the tears. He did care, after all.
On later visits, that spot of gray became my watchtower. I could hardly wait until I was close enough to watch its secret movement above the greenery. Upon arriving home, I would find my father sitting innocently in his chair. “So! My son, it’s you!” he’d say with pretended surprise on his face.
I replied, “Yes, Dad, it’s me. I’m home.”
14. What does the underlined word “grumbled” in Paragraph 1 probably mean?
A. Accepted happily. B. Complained unhappily.
C. Agreed willingly. D. Explained clearly.
15. What made the author feel upset?
A. The tiredness after long hours in labs.
B. The difficulty of walking on the mountain road.
C. The feeling of being less valued.
D. The fear of riding the bus home.
16. Why did the author’s father watch behind the hedge?
A. Because he wanted to help his son build up courage.
B. Because he was concerned about his son’s safety.
C. Because he didn’t want to meet his son in the doorway.
D. Because he was worried his son was not old enough.
17. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A. Terrible Journey Home B. My College Life
C. My Father’s Secret D. Riding Bus Alone
【答案】