The gift of the magi. Answer the following questions

II. COMPREHENSION

Ex. 1

1.

2. 3.

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Ex. 2

Answer the following questions. Why was Delia saving money?

Did she have enough money for a Christmas present? How did Jim and Delia live (their relations, their financial posi­tion)?

What were their possession? What decision did Delia take? What did she do after she had cut her hair? What did she fear for when she was waiting for Jim? How did Jim behave when he saw Delia's hair cut short? How was Jim able to get money for the Christmas present? Why was such a strange title given to this story? (give your opinion)

Find Russian equivalents for the following words and phrases.

Save money; a shabby thing; made up of; predominate; take a look; income; hug; modest; introduce to; reach; look out; expenses; go far; own; a sterling present; mighty pride; pull down; dry hair; rippling and shining like a cascade; turn all the stores inside out; reflection in the mirror; disapproval; give way; valuable gifts; the least hope.

Ex. 3. Translate the sentences from the text.

1. Her cheeks burned with the silent imputation of parsimony. 2. Such behaviour instigates the moral reflection that life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and and smiles, with sniffles predominating. 3. It did not exactly beggar description, but it certainly had that word on the look-out. 4. In the vesti­bule below was an electric button from which no mortal finger could coax a ring. 5. The " Dillingham" had been flung to the breeze during a former period of prosperity. 6. When the income was shrunk to $20 the letters of " Dillingham" looked blurred, as though they were thinking seriously of con­tracting to a modest and unassuming D. 7. A very thin and very agile person may, by observing his reflection in a rapid sequence of longitudinal strips, obtain a fairly accurate conception of his looks. 8. When Delia reached home her intoxication gave way a little to prudence and reason. 9. For ten

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

seconds let us regard with discreet scrutiny some inconsequential object in the other direction.

Ex. 4. Translate the following passages.

1. p. 190. From " Delia finished her cry..." to "...owned by Jim."

2. p. 190. From " So now Delia's..." to "...red carpet."

3. p. 191. From " She found it..." to "...in place of a chain."

4. p. 192. From " Jim was never late..." to "...I am still pretty."

5. p. 192. From " Jim stopped inside the door..." to "...on his face."

6. p. 193. From " The magi, as you know..." to "...are the magi."

7. p. 193. From " Jim drew a package..." to "...lord of the flat."