Practice Reported statements
I. Report these words and thoughts using the verb suggested. Use formal sequence of tenses.
1. "I'm going to Paris soon." She said... 2. "It's time to start revising for the exam." The teacher told the students... 3. "The film will be interesting." I thought... 4. "I can't help you because I have too much to do." She said... 5. "Ann has bought the tickets." I was told... 6. "It took me three hours to get here because the roads are flooded." He told me... 7. "I think it's a crazy idea. It won't work." She said... 8. "Breakfast is served between 7.00 and 9.00." The receptionist explained... 9. " I need to go to the market before it closes." Janet suddenly remembered... 10. "I'm going to postpone the examination." Professor Williams announced... 11. "I will come to the party." Jane promised... 12. "I'm going to move to Ohio." Dick informed me... 13. " You're right." He admitted... 14. "You'll get into trouble if you are not careful." She warned me... 15. "The film is exciting, I agree." He agreed... 16. "I'm sure you'll win a scholarship." He assured me...
II. Report the following statements. Use the pattern: said that... and that or said that... but that.
1. "My father is a businessman. My mother is an engineer." He said that his father was a businessman and that his mother was an engineer.
2. "I'm excited about my new job. I've found a nice apartment." I got a letter from my sister yesterday. She said...
3. "Your Uncle Harry is in hospital. Your Aunt Sally is very worried about him."
The last time my mother wrote to me, she said...
4. "I expect you to be in class every day. Unexcused absences may affect your grades." Our sociology professor said...
5. "Highway 66 will be closed for two months. Commuters should seek alternate routes." The newspaper said...
6. "I'm getting good grades, but I have difficulty understanding lectures."
My brother is a junior at the state university. In his letter he wrote...
7. "I'll come to the meeting, but I can't stay for more than an hour." Julia told me...
8. "Every obstacle is a stepping stone to success. You should view problems in your life as opportunities to prove yourself."
My father often told me...
9. "I'm going out now, but I'll be in by niae." He said...
10. "I'm working in a restaurant, and I don't much care for it". She said...
11. "I can't live on my basic salary. I'll have to offer to do over-
time." Peter said...
12. "We're waiting for the school bus. It's late again." The children said...
13. "I'm living with my parents at present, but I hope to have a flat of my own soon." She said...
14. "There's been an accident. The road is blocked." The policeman said...
Ш. Yesterday you met a friend of yours, Charlie. Charlie told you a lot of things. Here are some of the things he said to you:
1. I'm thinking of going to live in Canada. 2. My father is in hospital. 3. Nora and Jim are getting married next month. 4. I haven't seen Bill for a while. 5. I've been playing tennis a lot recently. 6. Margaret has had a baby. 7.1 don't know what Fred is doing. 8.1 hardly ever go out these days. 9.1 work 14 hours a day. 10. I'll tell Jim I saw you. 11. You can come and stay with me if you are ever in London. 12. Tom had an accident last week but he wasn't injured. 13.1 saw Jack at a party a few months ago and he seemed fine.
Later that day you tell another friend what Charlie said. Use reported speech.
1. Charles said that he was thinking of going to live in Canada.
IV. Report the following utterances.
1. Peter: I've left some books on your table. I think you'll find them useful. You can keep them as long as you
need but I'd like them back when you've finished with them. Mike: Thank you very much. I'll take great care of them.
2. Mr Jones: I booked a double room on the first floor. Receptionist: I'm afraid we didn't get your letter, and all the first and second floor rooms have been taken. But we could give you two single rooms on the third floor.
З.Мг Jones: This letter is full of mistakes. Typist: I did it in rather a hurry. I suppose I'd better type it again.
4. Mr Brown: I don't know why you waste so much time po-
lishing the car.
Mrs Brown: The neighbours all polish their cars, and I don't want our Mini to look like a poor relation.
5. Nick: You can leave your motorcycle in my garage if you
like. I'll keep an eye on it while you're away. Bob: That's very nice of you to offer me that.
6. Peter: You must leave a note for your mother, otherwise
she'll be terribly worried when you're not in at your usual time. Mike: I'll certainly do that.
7. Dick: I was thinking of going alone.
Mary: You'd better take someone with you. It's safer with two. One can keep watch while the other sleeps.
8. Jane: I must hurry. My father is always furious if any of
us are late for meals. Helen: My father is not so strict as yours.
9. Paul: I've got a job on an oil-rig. Dan: That'll be very hard work.
V. This is what some people said to Sally today:
The manager of the bank where Sally works: "You'll get a pay rise later in the year."
An optician: "There is nothing wrong with your eyes. You
don't need to wear glasses."
Sally's boyfriend, Peter: "I'd like a big family. I want at
least five children."
Sally's father: "I've done the shopping. I'll be home at
about seven."
Sally's driving instructor: "You drove very well. You're
making good progress."
A man who works in a dry-cleaner's: "Your skirt will be
ready on Saturday."
It is evening now and Sally is telling her mother about her day. Complete what Sally says using reported speech.
Sally: I went to the dry-cleaner's at lunchtime. The man
there said...
Mother: And what about the optician? What did she say? Sally: Oh, she told me... eyes and that I... glasses. Mother: Oh, that's good. And what about your driving lesson?
How did that go? Sally: Oh, fine. My instructor told me that... and that I...
progress. Mother: That's very good. And what about Peter? Did you see
him today? Sally: No, but he phoned me at work. He made me laugh.
He said he... and that he... children. Mother: Five! Well, I hope you can afford them. Sally: Oh, yes. That reminds me. I was speaking to the manager at work and she said that I... Mother: Oh, that's good. Sally: Yes. Oh, and before I forget. Dad phoned. He said
he... and that he ... seven.
VI. Put one of the following verbs in its correct form into each Sap.
say tell explain speak talk reply
I met Mr Brown in the street the other day, and we stopped a4d... for a while. He... me that his wife had been taken into hospital.
When I asked him how she was, he... that she was getting better. He wondered why I hadn't been to the tennis club for a few months, so I... that I'd been very busy lately and just hadn't time. "There's something you must... me," he said. "How many languages can your son...?" " Four," I... "Why?" "I know your son has some very funny stories to ... about learning languages and living abroad. We're having a meeting of the Travellers Club next week, and I'd like him to... at it."
I... I would... to my son about it, and promised to get back in touch. Then we ... goodbye and went our separate ways.
Reported questions
I. Report these words and thoughts, using the verbs suggested Use the formal sequence offenses.
1. "Where are you going?" He asked me... 2. "Do you want to go out for a meal?" She asked him... 3. "Why are you late?" they asked their guest. They wondered... 4. "Can I use your phone to make a local call?" She asked me... 5. "Which countries have you been to?" The customs officer asked me... 6. "Do you know where Angela is living?" He asked me... 7. "What colour are you going to paint the living room?" She asked them... 8. "Why doesn't she talk to me any more?" I thought to myself. I wondered why... 9. "Are you planning to enter law school?" I asked Martha... 10. "Can we still get tickets for the concert?" Fred asked... 11. "How can I help?" Thomas wanted to know... 12. "Where have you been all afternoon?" Frank asked Elizabeth.. 13.1 asked myself, "Am I doing the right thing?" I wondered.. 14. "We'll be leaving around 7:00 o'clock in the morning." Our tour guide told us... 15. "Why didn't you call me?" Nancy wanted to know...
II. Practise using asked if.
Student A: Say the words in the book to Student B. Student B: Don't look at your book. Report Student As questions. Use asked.
eg Are you married? Student A: Are you married?
Student В: (АН) asked me if I am married, or. (Ali) asked me if I was married.*
* Immediate reporting, informal: (Ali) asked me if I'm married. Formal sequence of tenses: (Ali) asked me if I was married.
1. Do you know my cousin? 2. Are you hungry? 3. Can you speak (French)? 4. Did you enjoy your vacation? 5. Are you going to take another English course? 6. Will you be at home tonight? 7. Have you ever been in (Mexico)? 8. Can you hear me? 9. Are you listening to me? 10. Do you need any help? 11. Did you finish your homework? 12. Do you think it's going to rain? 13. Are you going to go downtown tomorrow? 14. Do you know how to cook? 15. Do you know whether or not (...) is married? 16. Can you come to my party? 17. Do you have a car? 18. Have you ever been in (Russia)? 19. Did you move into a new apartment? 20. Are you going to call me tonight?
III. Practise using object clauses after asked.
Student A: Say the words in the book to Student B. Student В: Don't look at your book. Report Student A s question. Use asked.
eg Where do you live?
Student A: Where do you live?
Student В: (Maria) asked me where I live, or (Maria) asked me where I lived.
1. Where is your apartment? 2. Is your apartment far from here? 3. What do you need? 4. Do you need a pen? 5. When does the semester end? Does the semester end in (December)? 6. Why is (...) absent? 7. Is (...) absent? 8. How often do you go downtown? 9. Do you go downtown every week?
IV. Begin your response with "He (She) asked me..."
(To the teacher. Suggest to the students that they practise using the formal sequence of tenses.)
Example: Where is your friend?
Response: He (She) asked me where my friend was.
1. What time is it? 2. What is your name? 3. Can you speak Arabic? 4. Have you met my brother? 5. Where are you living? 6. Will you be here tomorrow? 7. What kind of camera do you have? 8. How tall are you? 9. What courses are you taking? 10. Do you feel okay? 11. Have you read any good books lately? 12. How do you like living here? 13. Did you finish your assignment? 14. What are you doing? 15. Wrhose briefcase is that? 16. May 1 borrow your dictionary? 17. Where will you be tomorrow around three o'clock? 18. Did you go to class yesterday? 19. What are you going to do during vacation? 20. What is the capital city of your country? 21. Did you go to a party last night? 22. How many people have you met in the last couple of months? 23. Can I use your pen? 24. Where should I meet you after class? 25. Do you understand what I am saying? 26. What country are you from? 27. Is what you said really true? 28. How do you know that it is true? 29. Who do you think will win the game? 30. Is what you want to talk to me about important? 31. Will you be absent from class tomorrow? 32. Where will you go? 33. Are you going to take another English course? 34. Did you walk to school this morning? 35. Can you afford to buy this dictionary? 36. Are you planning to take a trip? 37. Have you finished your test papei^ 38. Do you want to go to the library? 39. Are you going to talk u Professor Reed? 40. Will you come to the meeting?
V. A new student, Paul, has come to the college and the studer,, are asking him questions. Imagine that he reports these questio > later to an English friend.
Bill asked me what country I came from. 1. Bill: "What country do you come from?" 2. Ann: "Ho\v long have you been here?" 3. Peter: "Are you working as well as studying?" 4. Bill: "Have you got a work permit?" 5. Ann: "What are you going to study?" 6. Peter: "Have you enrolled for more than one class?" 7. Bill: "Do you want to buy any second-hand books?" 8. Ann: "Have you seen the library?" 9. Peter: "Do you play rugby?" 10. Peter: "Will you have time to play regularly'7" 11. Bill: "Did you play for your school team?" 12. Ann: "Are you interested in acting?" 13. Ann: "Would you like to join our Drama Group?" 14. Peter: "What do you think of the canteen coffee?"
VI. Mary and Tom, with their son, John, aged 11, have recently come to this area. Mary wants to find a school for John and asks her neighbour Mrs Smith about the local school.
(a) Later, Mrs Smith reports these questions to her husband: "Is it a mixed school?"
She asked if it was a mixed school.
(b) Alternatively, supply suitable answers to Mary's questions and then imagine that Mary reports the conversation (her questions and Mrs Smith s answers) to her husband Tom: "Were your boys happy there?"
" Yes, they were."
I asked if her boys had been happy there and she said that
they had.
1. "How long has it been a mixed school?" 2."Do you like the headmaster?" 3."Is he a scientist or an arts graduate?" 4. "How many children are there in the school?" 5. "How big are the classes?" 6. "Are the classes streamed?" 7. "What is the academic standard like?" 8. "Can parents visit the school at any time?" 9. "Is there a good art department?" 10. "Do they teach music?" 11. "What instruments can the children learn?" 12. "Is there a school orchestra?" 13. "Do they act plays?" 14."What sort of plays have they done?" 15. "What games do they play?" 16. "Are there playing fields near the school?" 17. "Are they taught to swim?" 18. "Can the children get dinner at school?" 19. "Is the food good?" 20. "Is there a Parent Teacher Association?" 21. "How often does it meet?" 22. "Were your own boys happy at the school?"
VII. Report the dialogues. Use the formal sequence offenses.
1. Fred: Can we still get tickets to the game? Bob: I've already bought them.
2. Mrs White: Janice, you have to clean up your room and emp-
ty the dishwasher before you leave for the game. Janice: Okay, Mom. I will.
3. Mary: Why do you still smoke?
Nick: I've tried to quit many times, but I just don't seem to be able to.
4. Teacher: Bobby, what is the capital of Australia? Bobby: I'm not sure, but I think it's Sydney.
5. Mike: Where will the next chess match take place? Boris: It hasn't been decided yet.
6. Jane: Will we be able to visit the Air and Space Museum
and the Natural History Museum, too? Father: We will ifwe leave the hotel before 10 o'clocktomor-row morning.
7. Kate: I'm very discouraged. I don't think I'll ever speak
English well.
Alan: Your English is getting better every day. In another year, you'll be speaking English with the greatest ot ease.
8. Mother: It's pouring outside. You'd better take an umbrella Jenny: It'll stop soon. I don't need one.
9. Alex: What are you doing? Jane: I'm drawing a picture.
10. Jack: I can't go to the game. Tom: Oh? Why not?
Jack: I don't have enough money for a ticket.
11. Jane: Where are you going, Ann?
Ann: I'm on my way to the market. Do you want to come
with me? Jane: I'd like to, but I have to stay at home. I have a lot
of work to do. Ann: Okay. Is there anything you would like me to pick
up for you at the market? Jane: How about a few bananas? And some apples if
they're fresh? Ann: Sure. Г d be happy to.
12. Kate: Is there anything you especially want to watch on
TV tonight?
Mary: Yes. There's a show at eight that I've been waitinc
to see for a long time. Kate: What is it?
Mary: It's a documentary on green sea turtles.
Kate: Why do you want to see that?
Mary: I'm doing a research paper on sea turtles. I think I might be able to get some good information from the documentary. Why don't you watch it with me?
Kate: No, thanks. I'd rather do my math homework than watch a show on green sea turtles.
VIII. Mrs Ford is talking to Mr Todd, who works for a finance company. She wants a loan. Write in the questions he asks her.
Mr Todd: Come and sit down, Mrs Ford.
Mrs Ford: Thank you.
Mr Todd: ...
Mrs Ford: Two thousand five hundred pounds.
mr Todd: ...
Mrs Ford: I want to buy а саr
Mr Todd: I see. Could you give me some personal details?...
Mrs Ford: I'm a computer operator.
Mr Todd: ...?
Mrs Ford: Twelve thousand pounds a year.
Mr Todd: ...?
Mrs Ford: Yes, I am. I've been married for six years.
Mr Todd: ...?
Mrs Ford: Yes, we have two children.
Mr Todd: I see you live in a flat. Is it yours, or...?
Mrs Ford: No, it's ours.
Mr Todd: ...?
Mrs Ford: We've lived there for three years.
Mr Todd: Well, that seems fine. I don't think there'll be any
problems...?
Mrs Ford: I'd like it immediately, if that's possible. Mr Todd: All right. Let's see what we can do. Mrs Ford: Thank you very much.
I A. Report Mr Todd's questions.
a) First he asked her b) Then he wanted to know c) He needed to know d) She had to tell him e) Then he asked f) For some reason, he wanted to know g) He asked her h) He needed to know i) Finally he wondered
В. Report the conversation. Don't look at the text while reporting.
DC. Using the information in the conversation, complete the sentences in the reported conversation.
Conversation:
"Where are you from?" asked the passenger sitting next to
me on the plane.
"Chicago," I said.
" That's nice. I'm from Mapleton. It's a small town in
northern Michigan."
"Oh yes. I've heard of it," I said. "Michigan is a beautiful
state. I've been there on vacation many times."
"Were you in Michigan on vacation this year?"
"No. I went far away from home this year. I went to India,"
I replied.
"Oh, that's nice. Is it a long drive from Chicago to India?"
she asked me. My mouth fell open. I didn't know how to
respond. Some people certainly need to study geography.
Reported conversation:
The passenger sitting next to me on the plane... me where I... from. I... her I... from Chicago. She... that she... from Mapleton, a small town in northern Michigan. She wondered if I ... of it, and I told her... I went on to say that I thought Michigan ... a beautiful state and explained that I ... there on vacations many times. She... me if I... in Michigan on vacation this year. I replied that I... and... her that I... far away, to India. Then she asked me if it... a long drive from Chicago to India. My mouth fell open. I didn't know how to respond. Some people certainly need to study geography.
X. Student A: Ask a question on the given topic — whatever comes into your mind. Use a question word (when, where, hem, why, etc.).
Student B: Answer the question in a complete sentence.
Student C: Report what Student A and Student В said.
Eg: tonight Rosa: What are you going to do
tonight?
Ali: I'm going to study.
Yung: Rosa asked Ali what he was going to do tonight, and Ali replied that he was going to study.
1. tonight 2. music 3. courses 4. tomorrow 5. book 6. this city 7. population 8. last year 9. television 10. dinner 11. next year 12. vacation
Reported commands
I. Report the following using the verbs suggested + to-infinitive.
1. "Hurry up." Hetoldme... 2. "Don't leave the door unlocked." She warned them... 3. "Would you like to come to my party?" He invited her... 4. "Don't be stupid." She told me... 5. "You should stop smoking." The doctor advised my brother... 6. "Could you change the light bulb for me?" She asked me... 7. "Can I do the washing-up?" I offered... 8. " Don't touch the wire." He warned me... 9. "Could you speak more slowly?" He asked her... 10. "Shut the door." She told me... 11. "Don't touch my camera." He told me... 12. "I think you should take another English course." My teacher advised me... 13. "You may use the phone." Mrs Jacobson permitted me... 14. "Take a deep breath." The doctor told the patient... 15. "Make an appointment with the dentist." My mother reminded me... 16. "I think you should take a long vacation." My friend encouraged me... 17. "Would you like to come to our house for dinner?" The Smiths invited us... 18. "You should see a doctor about the pain in your knee." My friend advised me... 19. "You must pay a fine of fifty dollars." The judge ordered Mr Jackson... 20. "Don't touch that hot pot." Bill warned me... 21. "Don't buy a used car." Sue advised me... 22. "Don't play in the street." Mrs Gray warned the children... 23. "Don't forget to thank Mrs Jones when you are saying goodbye to her." His mother reminded him... 24. "Do make the coffee a bit stronger. It was terribly weak last night." I begged her... 25. "Shall I carry your suitcase?" He offered...
26. "Take these letters to the post, will you?" The boss asked me...
27. "You'd better apologize for being late." My mother advised...
28. "Don't shelter under a tree in a thunderstorm." He warned us...
29. "Remember to switch off when you've finished." He reminded his son... 30. "You must see the exhibition." My friends advised
me... 31. "Shall I buy you some cigarettes?" He offered... 32. "Answer this letter for me, will you? And remember to keep a copy." He asked me... and reminded me...
II. Report the dialogues Use the proper reporting verbs •
1. Joe: Would you like to come to a movie with me? Mary: Yes.
2. Dr Miller: You should get more exercise. Steve: I'll try.
3. Mr Ho It: Could, you please open the door for me? Tom: I'd be happy to.
4. Nancy: Call me around nine. Tom: Okay.
5. Mr Ward: You may have a cookie and a glass of milk. The children:Thanks, Dad.
6. Prof. Larson: You should take a physics course. Me: Oh?
7. Jack: Don't worry about me. His mother: I won't.
8. Sue: Don't forget to call me. Me: I won't.
9. The police officer: Put your hands on top of your head! The thief: Who? Me? I didn't do anything.
10. Mrs Peterson: Please, don't slam the door. Her daughter: Okay, Mum.
11. Mike: Be careful; the steps are very slippery. Me: Okay.
III. Report the following suggestions.
1. Ann: What about having a party on Saturday?
2. Mary: Yes, let's. Who shall we invite?
Ann suggested having a party on the next Saturday. Mary agreed and asked who they should invite.
3. Ann: Let's not make a list. Let's just invite everybody.
4. Mary: We don't want to do much cooking, so what about
making it a wine and cheese party?
5. Ann: Suppose we ask everybody to bring a bottle?
6. Mary: Shall we hire glasses from our local wine shop?
We haven't many left.
7. Ann: If it's warm, how about having the party in the gar-
den?
8. Mary: Why not have a barbecue?
9. Ann: Why not? We could ask Paul to do the cooking.
10. Mary: Last time we had a barbecue the neighbours comp-
lained about the noise. Shall we ask everyone to speak in whispers?
11. Ann: Suppose we go round to the neighbours and apolo-
gize in advance this time?
12. Mary: Why not invite the neighbours? Then the noise won't
matter.
13. Ann: What a clever idea! Shall we start ringing everyone
up tonight?
14. Mary: What about working out how much it will cost first?
IV. Report the following dialogues. Use reporting verbs best suited to the sense of the utterances.
1. Peter: Shall we have dinner somewhere after the theatre? Ann: Let's. What about going to that place Jack is always talking about?
2. Ann: Jack's parents have asked me to supper tomorrow
night. What shall I wear?
Mother: You should wear something warm, dear. It's a terribly cold house.
3. Jack: I'm broke.
Peter: Shall I lend you some money?
4. Mary: What shall I do with this cracked cup? Mother: You'd better throw it away.
5. Driver: Would you mind getting out of the car? I have to
change a wheel. Me: Shall I help you?
6. Peter: Shall we go for a walk?
Ann: I like walking, but at the moment my only comfortable walking shoes are being mended. What about going for a drive instead?
7. Peter: What shall I do with all this foreign money? Mary: Why don't you take it to the bank and get it changed?
8. Peter: Would you like a cigarette? Me: No, thanks. I don't smoke.
9. Mrs Fox: Would you like to come with us? There's plenty
of room in the car. Ann: I'd love to.
10. Ann (on phone): Could you do without me today, Mr Jones?
I've got an awful cold and I think it might be better if I stayed at home.
Mr Jones: You should certainly stay at home, Ann. And you'd better take tomorrow off too if you aren't better.
11. Peter: I'm not quite ready. Could you wait a few minu-
tes? Jack: I can't wait long. The train goes at ten.
12. Ann: Remember to book a table. Bob: Don't worry. I won't forget.
13. Me: Do go to a dentist, Tom, before your toothache
gets any worse. Tom: I'll go to the dentist's tomorrow.
14. Nick: Go on — apply for the job. I'm sure you'll be hi-
red. Tom: I'm not so sure of that.
15. Ann: Don't lend Harry any money. He never pays his
debts. Dick: I didn't know that.
16. Policeman: Avoid Marble Arch. There's going to be a big
demonstration there. Me: Okay.
17. Tom: Could I speak to Albert, please? Albert's mother: He's still asleep.
Tom: Then please wake him up. I have news for him.
18. Tom's father: Remember to insure your luggage. Tom: I'll do that.
19. Dick: Could you ring up the taxi rank and order a taxi for
me? Ann: Why don't you go by tube? It's much cheaper.
V. For the following verbs that introduce reported commands, write an appropriate sentence in direct speech, then report it.
eg warn
"Be careful of strangers and don't go out at night." He warned me to be careful of strangers and not to go out at night.
a) advise b) remind c) invite d) ask e) tell f) persuade g) urge h) warn
Mixed types
I. Report the following dialogues.
1. Peter: Don't worry about a few mistakes. I make mistakes all
the time
Me: Do you learn from mistakes? Or do youkeep making the same ones?
2. Man: Could I have a look at your paper for a moment? I
just want to see the football results.
Me: I haven't quite finished with it. Could you wait a minute?
Man: I can't wait long. I'm getting off at the next stop.
3. Mike: Hurrah! I've passed the first exam.
Me: Congratulations! And good luck with the second.
4. Us: Many happy returns of the day! Tom: Thanks.
5. Mother: You woke everyone up Is at night. You must
try to be quieter tonight. Dick: I will.
6. Mr Jones: The soup is cold again. Why do I never have
hot soup?
Mrs Jones: Because the kitchen is so far from the dining room.
7. Policeman: Your licence is out of date.
Me: It is, but I've applied for a new one.
Policeman: Next time apply for a new one before your current one has expired.
8. Me: I'll have the money for you next week. Shall
I post it for you?
Bob: Could you keep it in your safe till I can come
and collect it?
9. Peter: Could I borrow your map again?
Me: You're always borrowing it. Why don't you
get one of your own?
10. Ann: Can you hear that noise? What do you think
it is?
Me: I think it's only rats running up and down insi-
de the wall.
Ann: I think it's someone trying to get in. You' d bet-
ter go and see.
11. They: It's your turn to baby-sit tonight. Ann(indignantly): It can't be! I baby-sat last night! And the
night before! And I'm only supposed to do two nights a week!
They: Could you possibly do it just this once? And we
promise not to ask you to do any next week
12. Taxi-driver: This is the best restaurant in town. The only
problem is that they expect guests to wear ties Tourists (indignantly): Then why have you brought us here'' Taxi-driver: Don't get excited. I keep ties in my car. What
colour would you like? They're all the same
price.
13. Me: Why don't you go and see the film? It may help
you to understand the book. Ann: But the film's quite different from the book.
14. Me: Why are you looking so depressed, Jack? Jack (sadly): I've just asked Ann to marry me and she's refused.
Me: I think she prefers clean-shaven men. Why
don't you cut your hair and shave off your beard and try again?
15. Father: Are you ill? Tom: No.
Father: Did you sleep well last night?
Tom: Yes.
Father: Then why are you sitting when all the others
are working? Go out at once and give them a
hand.
16. Nick: Let's drive on to the next village and try the
hotel there.
Mary: But what shall we do if that's full too?
Nick: We'll just have to sleep in the car. It will be
too late to try anywhere else.
I. Put the following into direct speech, using dialogue form:
Tom: Would you like to come for a drive tomorrow, Ann? Ann: I'd love to etc.
Trip to Stratford
1. Tom invited Ann to come for a drive the following day.
2. Ann accepted with pleasure and asked where he was thinking of going.
3. He said he'd leave it to her.
4. She suggested Stratford...
5. adding that she hadn't been there for ages.
6. Tom agreed and said that they might go on the river if it was a fine day.
7. Ann wondered what was on at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
8. Tom said they'd find out when they got there...
9. adding that it was usually possible to get seats on the day of the play.
10. He asked Ann if she could be ready by ten.
11. Ann said with regret that she couldn't as she had to type a report first.
12. Tom expressed horror at the idea of working on Saturday...
13. and advised her to change her job.
14. She told him not to be ridiculous and explained that...
15. she had volunteered to type the report in return for a free afternoon the following week.
16. She pointed out that she hadn't known that he was going to ask her out.
17. Tom said he supposed it was all right hut...
18. warned her not to make a habit of volunteering for weekend work.
19. Ann promised not to.
20. Tom said gloomily that he supposed s,he'd be busy all
morning.
21. Ann assured him that she' d be finished by 11.00 and..
22. offered to meet him at the bus stop at Hyde Park Comer
23. Tom said that it wasn't a very good meeting place and that he'd call for her.
24. Ann said that that was very kind of him and that she'd be waiting in the hall.
Hill climb
25. Tom suggested climbing to the top, adding that the view from there was marvellous...
26. but Ann said that they'd been climbing for three hours and that she was too tired to go any further.
27. She suggested that Tom should go on up while she went down and waited there.
28. Tom agreed and handed her the car keys, advising her to wait in the car.
29. He promised to be as quick as he could.
30. Ann said that if he was too long there'd be no lunch left, for she'd have eaten it all.
Fluency
Listen, read and report.
Where do you come from?
Patrick: You said you were American, didn't you? Where do
you come from exactly? Diane : I was born in Boston, but I studied in New York. And
you? Patrick: I was born in Bristol, but I came to London when my
parents bought a small flat here a few years ago. Diane: And do you work in London? Patrick: Yes, I'm a journalist. Diane: Then you must have lots of free time! Patrick: That's what you think! Diane: Do you do any sport? Patrick: Yes, I do. In winter I go skiing. In summer I play ten-
nis and go sailing ... we can go together some time, if you like. Diane: Great! I'd love to!
A. This is a reported version of the conversation. Notice that there is no tense change when the reporting is done in the present.
Patrick asks Diane if she is American and where exactly she comes from. She tells him that she was born in Boston but studied in New York. Patrick tells her he was born in Bristol, and came to London when his parents bought a small flat there a few years ago. Diane asks Patrick if he works in London. He tells her he is a journalist. She assumes he must have lots of free time. When she asks if he does any sport he says he goes skiing in winter, and in summer he plays tennis and goes sailing. He suggests they can go sailing together one day, if Diane would like to. She accepts with great enthusiasm.
B. Study and practise both the conversation and its reported version.
What's it like?
Karen: Hello, Scott. How did you get on today?
Scott: Oh, not too bad. Hey, Karen, there's a friend of yours in my class.
Karen: Who? Not Steven?
Scott: Yes, that's right! He's a really nice guy.
Karen: Mmm... yes he is. Er... do you want to go to the Tower of London tomorrow?
Scott: Well... I went there last Sunday with Mom and Dad.
Karen: Have you been to Westminster Abbey?
Scott: Yes, I have. I thought it was a bit boring. I'm not really interested in old buildings but my parents thought it was great!
Karen: Have you been to the Science Museum?
Scott: No, I haven't. What's it like?
Karen: Oh, it's really interesting. There's a fantastic collection of old airplanes.
Scott: OK. Let's go there then.
Karen: Fine. Well, I'll meet you outside Kilburn Underground Station at 10 o'clock.
Scott: Outside the underground at 10 o'clock. See you.
Karen: Bye!
A. Report the conversation, both in the present and in the past.
A Job Interview
Charles had a job interview a few days ago at the United Insurance Company. The interview lasted almost an hour and Charles had to answer a lot of questions.
First, the interviewer asked Charles where he had gone tc school. Then, she asked if he had had any special training. She asked where he had worked. She also asked him whether he was willing to move to another city. She wanted to know if he could work overtime and weekends. She asked him how his health was She asked him whether he had ever been fired. She wanted to know why he had had four different jobs in the past year.
And finally, the interviewer asked the most difficult question. She wanted to know why Charles thought he was more qualified
for the position than the other sixty-two people who had applied. Charles had never been asked so many questions at a job interview before. He doesn't know how well he did, but he tried his best.
A. Questions
1. Where did Charles have an interview? 2. How long did the interview last? 3. What was the first question? 4. What else did the interviewer want to know? 5. What was the most difficult question?
B.Study and practise the text.
С Situation: Charles is applying for a job and he is being interviewed at the United Insurance Company.
D. Situation: You're applying for a job. Rolepiay a job interview with another student, using the questions in the illustration as a guide.
1. Where was the interview? 2. How long did it last? 3. What questions did the interviewer ask? 4. What were your answers'? 5. What was the most difficult question and how did you answer it? 6. Did you get the job?
E. Report the conversation you 've just heard.
I Won't lie to yоu again This is a scene from Jenny's favourite opera "Jericho Street."
Rod: How did you find out about my letter to Caroline?
Liz: Don't mention the letter again.
Rod: Are you still angry with me?
Liz: Yes, and I don't want to discuss it.
Rod: Liz, give me a chance to explain please.
Liz. No, I won't listen to any more of your excuses.
Rod: Please don't be cross. Please...
Liz: If I were you, I'd tell the truth in future.
Rod: I won't lie to you again, I promise.
A. What did they say?
1 . Rod asked Liz... 2. She told him... 3. He wanted to know... 4. She said... and that... 5. He asked her... 6. She refused... 7. He begged her... 8. She advised him... 9. He promised...
B. Roleplay the conversation and then report it.
C. Interview with a star
TV presenter Emma Hall interviewed Don Majors, who plays Rod in "Jericho Street". Here is part of the interview. What did she ask him?
Take turns to report the questions round the class.
1. Don, when did you play your first TV role? 2. When did you join "Jericho Street?" 3. Do you enjoy playing the part of Rod Spencer? 4. Is it a difficult part to play? 5. How many fan letters do you get every week? 6. Has anyone ever written to you to ask you to marry them? 7. Do you think you will ever marry? 8. Are you similar to Rod in any way? 9. How many episodes of "Jericho Street" have you made? 10. Are you planning to leave the show? 11. What do you do when fans recognize you in the street?
D. You answered some questions for a man doing a street survey about soap operas on television. What were his questions? Write the questions in the survey.
eg He wanted to know if you liked soap operas. Do you like soap operas?
1. He asked whether you watched an American soap opera called "Manhattan". 2. He wanted to know how long you had been watching it. 3. He asked how many of your friends or family watched it. 4. He asked why it was your favourite soap opera. 5. He wanted to know if you would continue to watch it regularly. 6. He asked you who your favourite character was. 7. He asked you if you thought soap operas should be shown at the weekend. 8. He asked you if you could name four other soap operas.
E. In the TV studio
Jim Walker, a TV director, is rehearsing a scene from a detective series, called "Inspector Thaw." Unfortunately, he isn't satisfied with the actors and actresses. What does he tell them to do and not to do? Say your answers.
eg He told Mavis not to laugh when she hit John, and to hit him harder.
"No, no, no, Mavis. Don't laugh when you hit John. And hit him harder!"
1. "John, don't fall into the camera next time." 2. "Don't point the gun so high, Sally, and make your hand shake more." 3. "Read the script again, Jake. Your second line was wrong." 4. "Tony, look more surprised when Jill enters." 5. "Jill, remember that you are supposed to be angry. Don't smile at Tony!" 6. "And all of you, get it right this time!"
An interview
Barbara is interviewing the Wilsons who have won a lot of money on the football pools.
Barbara: Congratulations on your big win, Mr Wilson.
Frank W: Thank you. It really was a big surprise.
Barbara: How has the money changed your lives?
Frank W. : Oh, completely I'd say.
Mary W: Yes, it really has. We bought so many things. A new car, for example. A pink Chevrolet.
Frank W: And we've employed a chauffeur to drive it for us. I've given up my job — I was a taxi driver for thirty years, so I've had enough of driving.
Barbara: And what else are you going to do with the money?
Frank W: Well, we love the sea and the sun, but we don't see much sun in England. And when it is hot, we don't see much of the sea, either. Crowded beaches! We hate them! So I'm going to buy a little island in the Pacific.
Mary W. : Yes, just imagine it! But we shall pay all our unpaid bills first!
1 Imagine you are Barbara. Report what the Wilsons have told you. Don 't look at the text while reporting. This makes the process of reporting very mechanical.
We sent yои the "wrong Person 'Heartsearch", a dating agency, arranged a date for Ruth and sent her a description of the man. After meeting him, Ruth telephoned the agency the next day.
Ruth: This is Ruth Talbot here. I'm telephoning about rny date last night.
Woman: Oh yes, did you have a pleasant evening?
Ruth: No, it was a disaster. In fact, I'm rather confused!
Woman: Oh?
Ruth: There are four things, firstly, you said he was twenty-six but he's at least thirty-five.
Woman: Oh?
Ruth: I definitely said in my application form that I wanted to meet someone in their twenties.
Woman: Yes, I remember.
Ruth: Secondly, and this is rather strange, you said he had dark hair and brown eyes but in fact he has red hair and blue eyes.
Woman: Oh?
Ruth: And thirdly, you said he lived in Oxford but he doesn't. He lives in Bristol! That's too far away for me.
Woman: I'm sure that can't be right.
Ruth: And fourthly, you said he was interested in music and the theatre but he isn't. He's only interested in sport! In fact, he was really boring.
Woman: Just a moment. Was his name John Manning?
Ruth: No, it was Neil Carter.
Woman: Ah, that explains it. We sent you the wrong person. I'm so sorry, Miss Talbot!
A. Choose the right answer.
1. Ruth telephoned the agency because
a) the man did not arrive for her date.
b) the man was too young for her.
c) the man did not match the description.
2. The agency
a) had not read Ruth's application carefully.
b) had sent the wrong person by mistake.
c) had forgotten to tell John Menning that he had a date.
B. Report what Ruth said about herself to the agency. She said (that) she was twenty-four.
1. "I'm twenty-four."
2. "I live in a flat in Oxford."
3. "I'm looking for a man in his twenties."
4. "I want to meet someone interesting."
5. "I'm keen on classical music."
6. "I haven't got a car."
C. Roleplay the conversation.
What's the Matter? The police have just stopped Clare just outside Oxford.
Clare: What's the matter? I wasn't driving too fast, was I?
Officer: No, it's all right. Just a few questions, madam, if you don't mind. Where are you going?
Clare: Home. To Oxford.
Officer: And are you the owner of this car?
Clare: Of course I am!
Officer: And where have you come from?
Clare: London.
Officer: Do you work in London, madam?
Clare: Yes, I do.
Officer: When did you last buy petrol?
Clare: This morning on my way to work.
Officer: I see. And how long have you had this car?
Clare: Oh, about a year. What's the problem?
Officer: There's been some trouble on the motorway. A holdup at a service station, actually. A car just like this one was stolen.
A. Choose the right answer.
\. The police stopped Clare because
a) she was driving too fast.
b) they wanted to check her car.
c) she was driving a stolen car.
2. The police officer wanted to know
a) if she owned the car.
b) how long she had had her driving licence.
c) where she worked in London.
3. The police officer said there had been
a) an accident on the motorway.
b) a traffic jam.
c) a robbery.
B. Report the questions which the police officer asked Clare.
C. Roleplay the conversation.
I got a Phone call
Josh: I got a phone call from Clare Taylor today, from Work
International.
Eva: What did she want? Josh: Apparently there's a vacancy for a tour-guide in Vene-
zuela. She wants me to go and see her about it. Eva: Venezuela! How long for? Josh: Six months.
Eva: That's a long time. When does the job start? Josh: Well, I haven't decided to take it yet but the travel com-
pany would like me to go at the end of September. Eva: Oh. Josh: Anyway, I asked Clare to get a few more details.
A. Questions
1 . What did Clare phone Josh about? 2. Is he going to take it? 3. Does Eva sound excited or upset?
B. Look at these lines from the conversation. What do you think were the original requests?
1 . She wants me to go and see her about it. 2. They'd like me to go at the end of September. 3. 1 asked Clare to get a few more details.
I'd like a Room.
John arrived at the hotel and asked for a quiet single room with a bathroom. The receptionist said she was terribly sorry, but they didn't have any single rooms left that night. All they had was a rather noisy double room which looked out onto the main road. John asked how much it cost and she said that because it was so
late, he could have it for the same price as a single. John said he would take it for that night but as he was staying for three days, he wanted to have a quieter room the next day as he was a very light sleeper. The receptionist checked and said there would in fact be a single room at the back free and that they would move him into it the next morning.
A. Retell the text, then write a conversation with the words John and the receptionist probably used. You may want to add words to make the conversation more natural and polite.
Kidnap!
Mr and Mrs Barker were having a quiet day at home. Their 17-year-old daughter was away in Scotland staying with a friend. At 12 noon, Mr and Mrs Barker got a phone call from the friend where their daughter was supposed to be staying, saying that she had disappeared. They were just about to call the police when the phone rang again. A hoarse voice told Mr Barker that his daughter had been kidnapped and that unless he paid a ransom of £1000, he would never see his daughter alive again. When Mr Barker asked who the caller was, the voice answered that it was someone he knew well. The voice then gave him instructions about where and when to hand over the money. He was warned not to tell the police or to try to have the phone traced. Mr Barker went to the bank and immediately took the money out of his bank account and left on the next train to Brighton. When he arrived, he went into the Grand Hotel at five to six and carefully put the brief-case beside a sofa as arranged. At 6 o'clock precisely, a woman in a scarf and raincoat came up, took the briefcase and walked quickly away.
At 10 p.m. the same evening, to his great relief, his daughter came back home. She could hardly stop herself from laughing. Imagine his surprise when she handed him his briefcase containing the £1000. It turned out that she and her friend had decided to play a practical joke. It was she who had put on a hoarse voice to phone her father and it was she who had collected the briefcase in Brighton. The joke had worked out, strangely enough, Mr and Mrs Barker did not enjoy it as much as their daughter did!
A. Questions
1. Where was Mr and Mrs Barker's daughter supposed to be? 2. What did the daughter's friend phone to say? 3. What did the second person phone to say? 4. How much did the person want in ransom money? 5. Where did Mr Barker have to go with the money? 6. Where did he put the money? 7. At what time was the briefcase collected? 8. What happened at 10 p.m. the same evening? 9. What did she give her father? 10. What was her explanation?
B. Study and practise the text.
C. Act-out a telephone conversation between Mr Barker and the kidnapper.
D. Work in groups of three. It is Student С s birthday and Student A and В have both been invited to С's party.
Student A
It is getting late. Telephone to say that unfortunately you are still at home (say why). Ask if everyone has arrived Say what time you expect to arrive. Ask what music you should bring.
Student В
You have arrived early to help get the party ready. С is busy when the phone rings so you answer it.
Student С
You were busy when the phone rang. Find out from В who phoned and what the call was about.
The wedding reception
Adam: Are you on your own?
Beatrice: No, I'm not. I'm with my husband.
Adam: How do you know John and Moira, then?
Beatrice: I was at university with Moira.
Adam: Do you like big weddings?
Beatrice: I prefer smaller ones.
Adam: Where did you meet your husband, then?
Beatrice: Actually, I met him at a wedding.
Adam: Why aren't you drinking?
Beatrice: Because I'm driving.
Adam: Er... Have you travelled far to get here?
Beatrice: Yes, we have. We flew in from New York yesterday.
Adam: Hey, why aren't you wearing a hat?
Beatrice: I never wear hats.
Adam: Where are you staying tonight?
Beatrice: We're at the "Red Lion."
Adam: Oh. Can you give me a lift there?
Beatrice: Yes, we can. Are you staying at the "Red Lion" too?
Adam: Yes, I am. Will there be enough room in your car?
Beatrice: Oh, yes, lots. There won't be a problem.
Some time later Beatrice is talking to her husband.
I've just met this really friendly young man. Do you know what he said to me? First he asked me if I was on my own and of course I said that I wasn't, I was with you. Then he asked me how I knew John and Moira and I told him I had been at university with Moira. He asked me if I liked big weddings, and I said no, I preferred smaller ones. Then he asked me where I'd met you, which was a bit of a funny question, so I told him we'd met at a wedding. He asked me why I wasn't drinking, and I said that it was because I was driving. He asked me if we'd travelled far to get here, so I explained that we'd flown in from New York yesterday.
Then he asked something strange. He asked me why I wasn't wearing a hat, so I said I never wore hats. He then went on to ask me where we were staying tonight, and I told him we were at the "Red Lion". He asked me if we could give him a lift there, and I said yes. I asked him if he was staying at the "Red Lion", too, and he said he was. He asked if there would be enough room in our car, and I told him that there wouldn't be a problem.
A. Study and practise both the conversation and its reported version.
Connie
Connie had an American father and an English mother. She was eighteen and she was over in England from the USA with a friend. She was visiting her English grandmother who was ninety-one years old and rather deaf. Fortunately Connie's cousin Julie was there to help.
Grandmother: Well, my dear, what have you been doing with yourself?
Connie: Oh, we've been in London this week. We've seen
a lot of interesting things.
Grandmother: What did you say? Interesting? What's interesting?
Julie: She said they'd seen a lot of interesting things.
Grandmother: They? Who's they?
Connie: I have a girl friend with me.
Julie: She has a girl friend with her.
Grandmother: Have you been to Windsor Castle?
Connie: Yes, we went to Windsor yesterday.
Grandmother: Speak up. My hearing's not too good.
Julie: She said they went to Windsor yesterday.
Connie: And we've been to the British Museum. We saw the Egyptian Mummies.
Grandmother: Which museum?
Julie: The British museum. They saw the Egyptian Mum-
mies.
Connie: Next week we're planning to go to the north of England. We want to visit York and see the Cathedral. We'll send you a postcard.
Grandmother: A postcard? Where?
Julie: No, she said they would send you a postcard
from York.
A. Study and practise the conversation.
B. Report these questions.
1. "Where have you been today?" 2. "What do you find specially interesting in London?" 3. "What have you been doing?" 4. "Where do you intend to go tomorrow?" 5. "What do you like about York?" 6. "What have you seen today?" 7. "What do you dislike about England?" 8. "What souvenirs have you bought'7" 9. "What do you want to buy for your mother?" 10. "What have you bought for your father?"
Claude and Anna
Claude and Anna had been to the pictures. Now they were sitting in the bus on their way home.
Suddenly Anna said: "Oh, dear."
"What's the matter?" asked Claude. "I've forgotten my key," replied Anna.
Claude looked at his watch. "Never mind. It isn't late. It's only eleven o'clock."
"But my family always go to bed about 10.30." Anna looked terribly worried.
"I know," said Claude. "You can sleep on the sofa in the sitting-room in my home."
They arrived at Claude's home ten minutes later.
Claude's landlady, Mrs Briggs, was still up. She was watching television.
"This is Anna," said Claude, "she's forgotten her key, so she's going to sleep on the sofa if that's OK."
"Very well," said Mrs Briggs. "Has she telephoned her landlady?"
"No, she will be in bed by this time," said Claude.
"All right," Mrs Briggs smiled. "I'll telephone Anna's landlady first thing in the morning."
A. Questions
1 . Where had Claude and Anna been? 2. How did they travel home? 3. What did Anna forget to take with her? 4. What time did Anna's family usually go to bed? 5. Where did Claude suggest she could sleep? 6. What was Mrs Briggs doing, when they arrived?
7. Did Mrs Briggs offer to telephone Anna's landlady at once?
8. Why didn't she do this? 9. Did Mrs Briggs allow Anna to spend the night on the sofa? 1 0. When did she telephone Anna's landlady?
B. Retell the text first in direct and then in indirect speech.
George
George's mother was worried about him. One evening, when her husband came home, she spoke to him about it.
"Look dear," she said, "You must talk to George. He left school three months ago. He still hasn't got a job, and he isn't trying to find one. All he does is smoke, eat and play records."
George's father sighed. It had been a very tiring day at the office.
"All right," he said, "I'll talk to him."
"George," said George's mother, knocking at George's door, "your father wants to speak to you."
"Oh!"
"Come into the sitting-room, dear."
"Hullo old man," said George's father, when George and his mother joined him in the sitting-room.
"Your father's very worried about you," said George's mother.
"It's time you found a job."
"Yes," replied George without enthusiasm.
George's mother looked at her husband.
"Any ideas?" he asked hopefully.
"Not really," said George.
"What about a job in a bank?" suggested George's mother, "or an insurance company perhaps?"
"I don't want an office job," said George.
George's father nodded sympathetically.
"Well, what do you want to do?" asked George's mother.
"I'd like to travel," said George.
"Do you want a job with a travel firm then?"
"The trouble is," said George, "I don't really want a job at the moment. I'd just like to travel and see a bit of the world."
George's mother raised her eyes to the ceiling. "I give up," she said.
A. Questions
1. Why was George's mother worried about him? 2. What did she tell her husband to do? 3. Why did he sigh? 4. What jobs did George's mother suggest he might get? 5. What did George really want to do?
B. Retell the text first in direct and then in indirect speech.
'Whilee the Auto "Waits (after O. Henry)
The girl in grey came to that quiet corner of the small park. She sat down on a bench and began to read a book.
Her dress was grey and simple. Her face was very beautiful. She always came there at the same hour and there was a young man who knew it.
The young man came near. At that moment her book fell on the ground. The young man picked up the book, returned it to the girl, said a few words about the weather and stood waiting. The girl looked at his simple coat, common face and said, "Sit down, if you like, the light is too bad for reading. Let's talk."
"Do you know," he said, "that you are very beautiful. I see you here sometimes." "Oh, let's change the subject. Don't forget that I'm a lady. You'd better tell me about the people passing by. Where are they going? Are they happy? I come here to sit because only here I am near the masses of people. I speak to you because I want to talk to a man not spoiled by money. Oh! You don't know how tired I am of money, money, money! And of the men who surround me! I'm tired of pleasure, of jewels, of travels!"
The young man looked at her with interest. "I've always thought that money is a good thing! I like to read about the life of rich people."
"Sometimes I think," the girl continued, "that I could love only a simple man. What is your profession?"
"I'm a cashier in the restaurant that you see on the opposite side of the street."
The girl looked at her watch and rose. "Why aren't you at work?" she asked. "I'm on the night shift. When shall I see you again?"
"I don't know. Now I must be going. Oh, there is a dinner and a concert tonight. Did you notice the white automobile at the comer of the park? The driver is waiting for me. Good night."
"But the park is full of rude men. May I accompany you to the car?"
"Oh, no. Stay on this bench for ten minutes after I have left."
And she went away. The young man looked at her elegant figure while she was going to the gate of the park. Then he stood up and followed her. When the girl reached the park gate she turned her head to look at the white car, then passed it, crossed the street and entered the restaurant. A red-haired girl left the cashier 's desk and the girl in grey took her place.
The young man walked slowly down the street, then stepped into the white automobile and said to the driver, "Club, Henry!"
- Ask and answer questions on the text. Retell the text both in direct and in indirect speech.
This is an extract from "The Gadfly" by Voinich.
"Gemma, there is a man downstairs who wants to see you," Martini said.
"A man, Martini? What does he want?"
"I don't know, dear. He did not tell me. He said he wanted to speak to you alone."
"Very well. I must go to him, I think, but probably it's only a spy."
"In any case, I shall be in the next room," Martini said. "When he goes away, you must lie down and have a rest. You have been working too much today."
"Oh, no. I will go on with my work."
She went slowly down the stairs, and Martini followed her in silence. In the little study she found one of the guards, dressed as a mountaineer.
"Can you speak German?" he asked.
"A little. I hear you want to see me."
"Are you Signora Bolla? I have brought you a letter."
"A letter?" She was beginning to tremble.
"I'm one of the guards of the fortress. It is from the man who was shot last week. I promised him to give it into your own hands myself."
She bent her head down. So he had written after all. He took a letter out of the breast of his blouse and gave it to her.
"You won't say anything," he began again looking at her. "I've risked my life to come here."
"Of course I will not sa