Lesson 58 blessing in disguise?
Why does the vicar refuse to cut down the tree?
The tiny village of Frinley is said to possess a 'cursed tree', Because the tree was
mentioned in a newspaper, the number of visitors to Frinley has now increased. The tree
was planted near the church fifty years ago, but it is only in recent years that it has
gained an evil reputation. It is said that if anyone touches the tree, he will have bad
luck, if he picks a leaf, he will die. Many villagers believe that the tree has already
claimed a number of victims. The vicar has been asked to have the tree cut down, but
so far he has refused. He has pointed out that the tree is a useful source of income, as
tourists have been coming from all parts of the country to see it. In spite of all that
has been said, the tourists have been picking leaves and cutting their names on the
tree-trunk. So far, not one of them has been struck down by sudden death.
Lesson 59 In or out
Our dog, Rex, used to sit outside our front gate and bark. Every time he wanted to
come into the garden he would bark until someone opened the gate. As the neighbours
complained of the noise, my hus band spent weeks training him to press his paw on the
latch to let himself in. Rex soon became an expert at opening the gate. However, when
I was going out shopping last week, I noticed him in the garden near the gate. This time
he was barking so that someone would let him out! Since then, he has developed another
bad habit. As soon as he opens the gate from the outside, he comes into the garden and
waits until the gate shuts. Then he sits and barks until someone lets him out. After this
he immediately lets himself in and begins barking again. Yesterday my hus band
removed the gate and Rex got so annoyed we have not seen him since.
Lesson 60 The future
At a village fair, I decided to visit a fortune-teller called Madam Bellinsky. I went into
her tent and she told me to sit down. After I had given her some money, she looked
into a crystal ball and said: A relation of yours is coming to see you. She will be
arriving this evening and intends to stay for a few days. The moment you leave
this tent, you will get a big surprise. A woman you know well will rush towards you.
She will speak to you and then she will lead you away from this place. That is all.
As soon as I went outside, I forgot all about Madam Bellinsky because my wife
hurried towards me. Where have you been hiding? she asked impatiently.
Your sister will be here in less than an hour and we must be at the station
to meet her. We are late already. As she walked away, I followed her out of the fair.