you steal my coin collection?" Samuel thought for a moment, deciding if that would be a good idea. The theft of his collection left him with a feeling of betrayal (背叛). "How could I have misjudged my friend?"

The next day Samuel went over to Everett's house. Everett was acting funny. In fact, Samuel thought Everett was acting like someone with a secret. Suddenly, Everett cried, "I can't stand it anymore!" and pulled something from underneath the chair. "Go on - open it! I was going to wait until your birthday tomorrow, but I can't wait!"

Slowly, Samuel lifted the top of the box. Laid out in front of him were all of the quarters from his coin collection. Each quarter was in its own place in a new collection case. Each quarter shone like it was new.

Samuel felt heat rush over his neck and ears. He weakly said, "Thank you - this means ... a great deal to me." He was thankful that Everett had cut him off before he said something bad. Everett was exactly the type of person he wanted as a friend!

25. From Paragraph 1to 3, we know that ________.

　　A. Samuel's coins were missing B. Everett had stolen Samuel's coins

　　C. Samuel has a bad memory D. Everett lives down the street

26. What kind of person is Everett?

　　A. He makes quick decisions. B. He is not an honest boy.

　　C. He enjoys surprising his friends. D. He is helpful.

27. The story wants to tell us that ________.

　　A. trust is an important part of friendship

　　B. special interests make life more colorful

　　C. advice from family members can solve problems

　　D. friends enjoy giving surprising gifts to each other

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　C

　　Any introduction to Peking Opera would not be complete without telling of Mei Lanfang. Traditionally only men performed in Peking Opera, including the female roles. And Mei Lanfang was the very best master of the Miss. During his stage life, he combined the traditions of the past with his own creations, shaping a style of his own and giving birth to "The Mei Lanfang School". He was also the first artist to introduce Peking Opera to an overseas audience, winning international fame across the globe. For half a century, Mei Lanfang was a household name in China.

　　Mei Lanfang began his stage life at the age of 8. His teacher said he showed little hope because of his boring eyes. To improve this, he exercised them day after day. He would fly kites and look at them moving slowly in a blue sky. He also kept pigeons in order to look at them flying higher and higher until they disappeared into the clouds. Thanks to his efforts, he managed to change his dull eyes into a pair of bright and expressive eyes and win national fame before the age of 20.

　　In over 50 years on the stage, Mei Lanfang played no less than 100 different characters in the traditional Peking Opera performance. He completely changed both stage make-up and costumes, and enriched characters' gestures and expressions. He also wrote many new plays, designing the dances himself. The many dances he created form part of the great legacy that he left to Peking Opera.

In 1930, Mei Lanfang started on a successful US tour. There his brilliant performances fascinated the audience, making them realize that Peking Opera was a most valuable form of art.