开口英语

Carlson： A little further to the right, Tom.
Tom： Is this OK?
Carlson： Good. What do you think ,Richard?
Richard： I like it there.
Carlson： It's the first thing people will see when they come in. It sets the tone for the whole show. The next thing they'll see is this enlargement with the words Family Album, U.S.A.
Richard： I can't believe this is really happening!
Carlson： You've earned it. Years of work went into these pictures.
Richard： I know, but it's still a dream come true.
Carlson： Well, remember, we're not sure what the critics are going to write about your show yet. And you never know what the man from the New York Times is going to say about it.
Richard： Are you worried?
Carlson： I always worry. The reviews of this show are important for the sales of your book.
Richard： When do we see the reviews?
Carlson： Soon. One of the critics is coming over this morning for a preview. I hope he's in a good mood.
Richard： So do I. Marilyn and I hope to use money from the sales of this book to buy a new house.
Carlson： The book will be a success. And the show will help promote it.
Richard： Speaking of promoting the book, do I really have to autograph copies for the guests at the
opening?
Carlson： It's common practice.
Richard： I feel uncomfortable about it.
Carlson： A lot of people come to openings just so they can get the autograph of somebody who may be famous someday.
Richard： Couldn't we wait until I'm famous?
Carlson： A little further back, Tom. It's too close to the refreshments.
Richard： No, I think this one belongs in the "people-at-work" section.
Carlson： You may be right. Try it there, Tom
Tom： Right.
Carlson： Nervous about the opening tonight?
Richard： Nervous? Me? No. I'm scared to death.
Carlson： How about guests? How many people will you be bringing?
Richard： Well, my family, I guess. My wife Marilyn, my father and mother, my brother Robbie, my sister and her husband and their daughter. And my grandfather. Is that too many?
Carlson： No such thing as" too many" at an opening.
Richard： I hope they like it.
Carlson： Your family or the pubic?
Richard： Everybody. But especially my family. They've stood by me through all this.
Carlson： I'm sure they'll like it.
Mitchell： Harvey, how are you?
Carlson： Mitchell, so nice of you to come. Richard, this is Mitchell Johnson. Mitchell is one of the most important syndicated reviewers in the country.
Mitchell： Well, you're the young man who did all this.
Richard： I'm afraid so.
Mitchell： Nice to meet you.
Richard： Nict to meet you, Mr. Johnson.
Carlson： Mitchell has always encouraged new talent.
Mitchell： Well...you mind if I look around and see what it says to me?
Carlson： Be our guest.
Mitchell： Mm-hmm, hmm, uh-huh.
Richard： What does that mean when he goes, "Mm-hmm, mm-hmm,mm-hmm"?
Carlson： It probably means he's clearing his throat. I don't know.
Tom： I don't care what the critics say, Mr.Stewart. Your work is brilliant.
Richard： Thank you, Tom.
Carlson： Tom is studying photography at NYU. He's working with me during the summer months as an intern.
Richard： Oh, really? I'd like to see your work.
Tom： It's not good enough to show. I'm still learning.
Richard： Oh, I'd still like to see your work. You may be the next Ansel Adams and not even know it.
Tom： If you really mean it, I'll bring some of my pictures into the gallery.
Richard： I do mean it.
Mitchell： Very interesting pictures, Mr.Stewart. You have a most unusual eye.
Richard： Thank you. I hope that's a compliment.
Mitchell： It is.
Carlson： Are you going to be reviewing the show, Mitchell?
Mitchell： Oh, yes. It's definitely worth reviewing.
Carlson： Favorably?
Mitchell： Oh, you know I never answer that question, Harvey. I'd like an advance copy of the book, though, so I can study it.
Carlson： I have an autographed one in my office. Tom, would you give Mr.Johnson the copy of Richard's book on my desk?
Tom： Just follow me, Mr.Johnson.
Mitchell： Sure.
Richard： Do you think he liked my photographs?
Carlson： We'll know when tonight's papers come out. Keep your fingers crossed.

Michelle： I love my school. I have so many good friends there now. I wouldn't miss a day even if I were really sick.
Susan： Come and sit down for a minute, Michelle. I'd like to talk to you about something. Something important.
Michelle： What's wrong, Susan?
Susan： Oh, there's nothing wrong, Michelle. But your dady and I are talking about something that I'd like your opinion about.
Michelle： I know. I heard you talking about it the other night when I was trying on my new clothes. It's about moving to Los Angeles.
Susan： You're right. How do you feel about it?
Michelle： Well, I really wouldn't want to move, but...
Susan： But? Michelle： But if you and Daddy wanted to, I guess you know what's best for the family and for me.
Susan： That's very considerate of you, Michelle. But what about your friends?
Michelle： I'd miss them a lot, but I know what it feels like to miss someone.
Susan： Honey, we don't have to move if you're no going to be happy about it.
Michelle： Does Daddy want to move?
Susan： I think so. He's going to tell us tonight about the job offer.
Harry： Well, how was everybody's day today?
Susan： Michelle was chosen to do the school poster for the play this year.
Harry： Congratulations, Michelle! That's something! And how was your day, Susan?
Susan： I see you're in a good mood. Why don't you tell us about your day.
Harry： I met with Bill York.
Susan： It's OK to talk about it, Harry. Michelle knows all about it.
Harry： Really?
Susan： Really, Harry. Michelle and I have all kinds of feelings about leaving New York, the family, and friends. But is you think you should take the job, we're behind you.
Harry： What about Michelle's school?
Susan： We'll move after the school term.
Harry： What about her new friends?
Michelle： I'll make new friends wherever we are as lon as we're together.
Susan： We're a family, Harry. Whatever you think is right for you is right for us.
Harry： I am so touched. The two of you are really something.
Michelle： We love you, Daddy.
Harry： And I love you.
Susan： OK. Now, tell us about your talk with Mr. York. Did you take the job?
Harry： Nope. M ichelle： What?
Susan： No? You didn't take it?
Harry： No, I did not take the job.
Michelle： But, Daddy, I thought...
Susan： Harry, you didn't turn it down because of me...
Michelle： Or me?
Harry： No, no. I turned it down because of me.
Susan： How's that?
Harry： Well, I began to think about you and about Michelle, and then I asked myself, do I really want to work for the biggest company in the country?
Susan： And?
Harry： And I don't. I went into business for myself because I like being my own boss. I run my own company.
I'm a big fish in a little pond. I'm not really sure I want to be a little fish in a big pond.
Michelle： Oh, Daddy, does that mean we don't have to move?
Harry： That's right, sweetheart.
Susan： Are you sure?
Harry： I couldn't be more sure, Susan.
Susan： I'm glad if you are, Harry.
Harry： And besides, how could I live in Los Angeles when all my favorite people live here?
Susan： Your favorite people?
Michelle： Who's that?
Harry： The Stewart family, of course.

Michelle： I really like this one Susan. Do you?
Susan： Turn around, Michelle. Let me see the back of it. I like it a lot. It fits well. It doesn't need any alterations. We must've bought the right size.
Harry： I like the color. She looks good in blue.
Michelle： I like blue, too, Daddy.
Susan： Try on the skirt and blouse outfit, Michelle-the one that Daddy wanted you to wear.
Michelle： OK.
Harry： Michelle has been a different kid since we've been married. She's never been happier.
Susan： And I've never been happier, Harry. I love her very much.She's been a joy.
Harry： We're very lucky, the three of us...and becoming part of the Stewart family, too.
Susan： We couldn't ask for anything more, could we?
Harry： Well...
Susan： Well...? Could we ask for anything more?
Harry： Well...we...
Michelle： How do you like it, Daddy?
Harry： It's my favorite outfit.
Susan： It's good for every day. It will be good for school, Michelle.
Michelle： I like it, too. I always like skirts that go like this. Do you want to see the winter jacket on me, Susan?
Susan： Yes, I do. Change back into your jeans, and put on the new winter jacket we bought today.
Michelle： OK.
Susan： What did you mean by"well...?" You had something on your mind when I said we couldn't ask for anything more.
Michelle： Is everything all right?
Harry： Everything is fine, Michelle.
Susan： Let's take a look at the winter jacket. Come on over here, Honey.
Michelle： It's kind of warm.
Susan： It is. That's why we bought it for you. This will be a perfect jacket for the wintertime when it's very cold out. But it's kind of small also. We must've bought the wrong
size.
Harry： Looks like we should've bought a bigger one. I guess we'll have to exchange it, too. I'm sure the store has others.
Michelle： I look silly! It is too small!
Susan： You're growing so fast, Michelle.
Michelle： Can I take it off? I'm hot!
Susan： Sure. Put it back in your room, and we'll hang everything up later.
Susan： Well, are you going to tell me what's on you mind, Harry?
Harry： I have been offered a job with a major accounting company in Los Angeles. I have been offered a job with a major accounting company in Los Angeles.
Susan： Los Angeles? That's a big decision.
Harry： I know. It will also affect you and your job, if we decide to go.
Susan： Wow! It sure will. But first tell me about the job, Harry. If it's a good one, then we'll make it work for us.
Harry： I have a client in the garment business, on Seventh Avenue. I do his taxes every year. He has a big sales office in Los Angeles, and the company in Los Angeles that does his major accounting work is looking for an executive. And he recommended me.
Susan： That's wonderful, Harry.
Harry： Yes, but it would mean that we'd have to move to L.A.
Susan： What about the salary?
Harry： The real discussion comes tomorrow. Susan, I don't plan to make any decisons until I have a chance to talk with you about it.
Susan： I understand, Harry.
Harry： And I don't have to make a quick decision. They know that I'm married and that I have a family.
Susan： Well, there's a lot think about. If it's a good job, then I've got to do some thinking about my
career opportunities in Los Angeles.
Michelle： Is everything OK?
Susan： Yes, honey.

Marilyn： "Rock-a-bye, baby, on the tree top, When the wind blows. The cradle will rock. When the bough breaks, The cradle will fall, And down will come baby, Cradle and all."
Richard： Hi, Marilyn. What are you doing?
Marilyn： Just sketching. I&`&ve been thinking a lot about our responsibilities in the past few weeks.
Richard： I never stop thinking about them.
Marilyn： I&`&ve been wrestling with question of whether I go back to work or not.
Richard： I see.
Marilyn： And I&`&m torn. I really want to go back to work, use my talents, and pursue my career in fashion design like we as a fulltime mother, especially when he&`&s a baby.
Richard： I really understand, Marilyn, But you never have to worry about Max. There&`&s Mother and Grandpa...and I can always arrange my photo schedule around your schedule, if that will help.
Marilyn： It&`&s not the same, Richard.
Richard： Have you discussed going back to work with your boss?
Marilyn： Rita Mae called yesterday.
Richard： Ah! That&`&s what&`&s got you thinking, isn&`&t it?
Marilyn： She wants to know when I think I&`&ll be returning to the boutique.
Richard： And you said...?
Marilyn： I said I&`&d give her an answer in a few days...that I wasn&`&t sure.
Richard： I&`&m sure Rita Mae will understand and wait until you&`&re ready to go back to work.
Marilyn： Well, maybe she will, and maybe she won&`&t. Who knows? If I don&`&t accept her offer, maybe she&`&ll find someone else in the meantime, and when I&`&m ready to go back, there won&`&t be a job for me.
Richard： That&`&s something to consider. You&`&ve got yourself to think about, too.
Marilyn： But I am thinking about myself. Don&`&t you see?
Richard： What do you mean?
Marilyn： It&`&s not just the job. It&`&s also my career as Max&`&s mother. That&`&s the way I look at it. I have
two career opportunities at the same time. My career as a fashion Designer and my career as a mother.
Richard： I never really thought about being a mother as a career. I guess you do have two career
opportunities and a decision to make.
Marilyn： I hear Max.
Richard： I&`&ll go to him.
Marilyn： No, that&`&s OK. I&`&ll do it.

Marilyn： I'm so glad everyone is asleep. I thought Max would be crying, and everybody would be a wake.
Richard： What did I tell you? Nothing to worry about.
Susan： I'm sure everything is fine. My mother knows all there is to know about taking care of babies, I assure you.
Harry： Let's put some of this stuff away and then take off. We've got a forty-minute drive into the city.
Ellen： Welcome home-and I do mean welcome home.
Richard： Something wrong?
Ellen： Oh, nothing's wrong, Richard. Believe me, Max is fine. But his teeth hurt, and he just can't get to sleep, poor dear.
Susan： Neither can you.
Marilyn： Oh, I feel so bad.
Ellen： Oh, I'm fine. How was your weekend?
Harry： We had a great time, Mom.
Richard： It was wonderful. The weather couldn't have been better.
Ellen： It was nice here, too.
Marilyn： Did you get a chance to get outside at all?
Ellen： Oh, yes. Grandpa helped me yesterday afternoon. I went to the supermarket to get a few things, and I stayed out an extra half hour. The village was filled people-the weather was so nice.
Richard： Harry's a professional camper, Mom. He knows all there is to know, and he made the weekend very easy for us to enjoy.
Harry： Come on. You all helped.
Susan： You were wonderful, Harry!
Marilyn： Why don't you go to your room, Mom, and get some sleep.
Ellen： Oh, I'm fine. Tell me more about your weekend. Did you do anything special?
Susan： Lots of special country things. We picked flowers.
Marilyn： And we brought some home for you. It was so nice to be out in the country.
Ellen： They smell wonderful.
Marilyn： Everything smelled so special. It would have been great if we had been able to bottle the smells.
Harry： It would be a great business if you could do that.
Ellen： Oh!
Marilyn： Uh, we're home now, Ellen. We'll take care of it.
Richard： I'll take care of it. Let's see if it works.
Ellen： What's that?
Richard： A little we'd better head home. It's getting late, and we have a bit of a drive.
Harry： Well, all your things are inside. There's your sleeping bag.
Marilyn： Oh, thanks, Harry.
Harry： Say good-bye to Richard. We'll call you all tomorrow night.
Marilyn： Good-bye.
Susan： Bye, Mom.
Ellen： Bye-bye.
Marilyn： Bye.
Ellen： I'm so tired I think I'm overtired. I don't know if I can get to sleep.
Ellen： Max has stopped crying.
Marilyn： Yes. It works!
Richard： It works!
Ellen： What works?
Richard： This.
Ellen： Oh. Oh, where did you get that? It sounds so nice. I think I'm falling asleep.
Richard： Like Max did.
Richard： Good night.
Marilyn： Good night. Sounds of the country. The soothing sounds of the country.

Richard： What's this?
Carlson： Read it.
Richard： I can't. Would you read it, Marilyn?
Marilyn： "Richard Stewart's show at the Carlson Gallery is a collection of photographs from his new book entitled Family Album, U.S.A. There is power and beauty in. Mr. Stewart's work, and his book introduces us to a remarkable new talent." Oh, Richard, it's wonderful!
Carlson： Congratulations!
Richard： Wow! I'm overwhelmed.
Carlson： Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your attention for a moment, please? I hope you're all enjoying the exhibition. I know that I am. And I would like to introduce the young man who spent the last five years taking these remarkable pictures and writing the background for Family. Album, U.S.A-Mr Richard Stewart.
Richard： Hello. I want to thank all of you for coming here tonight. I'd like to thank Harvey Carlson for his faith in my project. But most of all, I would like to thank my family for their love and support all through this adventure. Thank you.
Richard： Oh, I'm glad this's over.
Tom： Would you mind?
Richard： Oh, not at all.
Tom： Thanks.
Richard： Our pleasure. Hope it wins a Pulitzer Prize.
Tom： I'll settle for an "A" in my photography course.
Carlson： Ah, Richard, Marilyn, I want you to meet John O'Neill.
Richard： Oh,how do you do ?
Marilyn： Nice to meet you.
O'Neill： I've been looking forward to meeting your husband, Mrs. Stewart. I'm really impressed by your show.
Richard： Thank you.
O'Neill： In fact, I'd like your autograph.
Richard： Oh, well, really...
O'Neill： On a contract.
Richard： What's this about, Harvey?
Carlson： Mr. O'Neill is the publisher of several magazines.
Marilyn： Of course. I've seen you on television.
Carlson： Mr. O'Neill was so impressed with your work that he wants to develop it into a magazine concept.
Richard： Well, that sounds very exciting, but where would I fit into the plan?
O'Neill： I'd like you to be the photo editor of the magazine.
Marilyn： Oh, Richard, how exciting!
Carlson： It's a wonderful opportunity, Richard.
Richard： Hold on. Wait a minute, please.
Carlson： What's the problem, Richard?
Richard： The problem is that I'm a photographer, not an editor. I like what I do. In fact, I love what I do...which is going out with a camera and a roll of film and seeing the wonder of humanity. Now, I appreciate your offer, but I've worked so hard on Family Album, U.S.A. and I'm giving some thought to a new book on a different subject. I'm flattered, but I enjoy taking pictures, and I want to continue doing that. Thank you, but I'm happy being a photographer.
O'Neill： I understand, Richard.
Carlson： Richard, I know your next book will be a success. Congratulations!
Richard： Thanks.
Marilyn： You're a real Stewart!
Richard： Thanks.

Richard： Hot dogs. I love hot dogs. There is nothing better than a hot dog in the country.
Ellen： Hot dogs and mustard.
Richard： Cooked outdoors over an open fire. I wish I had one now.
Ellen： Do you remember when Daddy and I used to take you and Susan and Robbie to Jones Beach?
Richard： Oh, I sure do.
Ellen： We'd wait until dark and make a fire, and we'd cook the hot dogs. Oh, don't forget the mustard. And,
oh, does anybody want ketchup?
Richard： I might as well take it along. And now to make sure we've got the hamburger patties. I have to remember to put them in the bag tomorrow morning before we leave.
Ellen： I'll remind you, Richard.
Richard： Mom, we really appreciate your taking care of Max for the weekend and giving up your free time.
Ellen： I love doing it. Susan and Harry have a sitter for Michelle in the city, and I'm taking care of Max. It's no big deal. I am happy to do it for you.
Richard： I guess Max is asleep by now. He's not crying anymore.
Ellen： Oh, poor baby. He's teething.
Marilyn： Well, he's asleep-finally. I feel so bad for him. It hurts so much when a baby gets his first
teeth.
Ellen： He'll be fine, Marilyn.
Richard： Well, he wakes up several times during the night, and the pain is so bad.
Marilyn： I'm really concerned about going away for the weekend, Ellen, and leaving you with the full responsibility of taking care of Max. Especially with his teething. I wish he felt better.
Ellen： Please don't worry, Marilyn. Remember your father-in-law's a pediatrician. We have a live-in doctor if there's a problem I can't handle.
Richard： I agree, Marilyn. We really don't have to be overly concerned.
Richard： I'll go upstairs and stay with him until he falls asleep again.
Marilyn： Thanks, Richard. Try putting him across your lap on his stomach. He likes that.
Richard： I"ll try it.
Ellen： When are Susan and Harry Picking you up, Marilyn?
Marilyn： They're coming by at six tomorrow morning, so we can get an early start.
Ellen： That's nice. And you'll have a full day in the country.
Marilyn： And a full night. Tomorrow night we'll be camping out in tents.
Ellen： And coming home on Sunday?
Marilyn： We'll be heading back late in the afternoon.
Ellen： You're going to have the time of your lives. Camping out is such great fun.
Marilyn： We'll have a great time camping out, I'm sure. But I'm still a little worried about you, Ellen.
Ellen： It will be my great pleasure, Marilyn. Remember, it's only one night.
Richard： He's asleep. I think he'll sleep through the night now.
Marilyn： Thanks, honey. I hope he's good when we're away.
Richard： Well, so do I. Now, to check the list of things we need for the camping trip. We need to bring a flashlight.
Ellen： It's in the right-hand drawer, next to the bottle openers.
Richard： Do we have a bottle opener on the list, Marilyn?
Marilyn： No.No bottle opener. Is that one of the things Susan and Harry are bringing?
Richard： No. And we're bring the ketchup, mustard, relish-all that stuff. And cooking utensils. Well, here's the bottle poener, and here's the flashlight.
Ellen： Matches.
Marilyn： Matches?
Richard： Yes, of course. For when we build our campfire. I can't build a fire by rubbing two pieces of wood together.
Marilyn： And don't forget your camera and film, Richard.
Richard： All packed and ready.
Marilyn： And let's not forget our cassette player and some tapes. Some music tapes and some blank tapes so that we can record our thoughts about the trip.
Ellen： Oh, that's a nice idea. An audio diary.
Marilyn： That's what I thought.
Richard： Got it! The cassette player and the tapes.

Alexandra： You ready for the next problem?
Robbie： You know what? I can't look at another number. How about a lemonade break?
Alexandra： Sure.
Robbie： Oh, by he way, when is your plane reservation for your flight to Athens?
Alexandra： Sunday. Why?
Robbie： Would you be able to come over Saturday night?
Alexandra： Yes. I should be finished packing by then.
Robbie： My folks are giving me a little graduation party.
Alexandra： Terrific!
Robbie： I'll pick you up.
Alexandra： That isn't necessary.
Robbie： My dad's letting me borow the car.
Alexandra： Oh, well, that would be very nice.
Robbie： About eight 0'clock?
Alexandra： Eight 0'clock is fine.
Robbie： Great! It's a date.
Alexandra： Who's going to be there?
Robbie： Just my friend Mike and a few kids from school.
Alexandra： I'm going to miss all of you. You've been like a second family to me.
Robbie： We're going to miss you.
Alexandra： Maybe you could come to visit me in Greece?
Robbie： I'm counting on it.
Alexandra： Wonderful! Are you excited about graduating from high school?
Robbie： Sure...and a little scared.
Alexandra： Scared? Why?
Robbie： Aren't you a little scared?
Alexandra： I was when I first came to the United States. I'd never been away from home, and I didn't know what it would be like. But then I found out that people are the same everywhere once you get to know them.
Robbie： I'm glad I got to know you.
Alexandra： Thatnk you. I'm glad I got to know You-and your family.
Robbie： Wouldn't it be nice if we could skip the examinations and get right to the graduation party?
Alexandra： It would be very nice. But that isn't the way it works. So...back to work.
Alexandra： Good night, Robbie. Good night, Mrs.Stewart. Thank you for dinner.
Ellen： Good night, Alexandra.Will you be all right?
Alexandra： Yes.The Molinas are waiting for me.
Robbie： Good night, Alexandra. I'll pick you up on Saturday night, OK?
Alexandra： Yes. Eight 0'clock.
Alexandra： I have to run.
Allen： Good night, Robbie. She's really a good friend, isn't she?
Robbie： Yeah.
Ellen： You are going to miss her.
Robbie： Am I going to miss her?
Ellen： That's what I said! You are going to miss her!
Robbie： I'm going to miss her, and my math teacher's going to miss her.
Ellen： Well, you can write to her.
Robbie： It's not the same.
Mike： How does that look, Rob?
Robbie： Great! Pass me the hammer.
Mike： You got it!
Sandra： You're sure Alexandra's going to be surprised?
Robbie： Absolutely. She has no idea that the party is in her honor.
Mike： Millie, did you bring the papes for dancing?
Millie： They're in my bag.
Mike： What did you bring?
Millie： Some rock 'n' roll.
Robbie： Perfect! Alexandra will love it! I can't wait to see her face when she walks in here tonight.
Mike： What about the cake?
Robbie： My mom's decorating it right now.
Ellen： Robbie, there's a phone call for you. It's Alexandra. She sounds upset.
Robbie： OK. Thanks, Mom. I'll take it in there. Hi, Alexandra. What? You what? Oh no!

Robbie： Hi, Mom.
Ellen： Hi, Robbie You're home from school early.
Robbie： Yeah, they're getting the assembly hall ready for the graduation ceremony, so we all got to go homeearly. Too noisy to study.
Ellen： Well, now that you're here, you can help me with dinner. I need those potatoes peeled and sliced.
Robbie： Mom, give me a break Alexandra's coming over to help me study for my math final.
Ellen： Well, in that case, you can wash the dishes and clean up after dinner.
Robbie： Can I invite Alexandra to stay for dinner?
Ellen： Of course.
Robbie： Thanks, Mom.
Ellen： You an Alexandra have become good friends, haven't you?
Robbie： Yes. I like her.She's a terrific person. I'm going to miss her when she goes back to Greece.
Ellen： Would you like to give her a little farewell party?
Robbie： Mom, that would be terrific! Maybe we could make it a surprise.
Ellen： Oh, I don't know. Surprise parties don't always work out.
Robbie： Well, we could tell her it's a graduation party for me. When Alexandra arrives, we'll surprise her.
Ellen： Well, I suppose that might work.
Robbie： I'd like to give her a nice going-away present.
Ellen： Fine.
Robbie： There's only one problem.
Ellen： What's that?
Robbie： I'm broke. I should have saved some money.
Ellen： I'm sure Alexandra would be happy with something simple, Robbie.
Robbie： I know. But, well, I'd like to give her something nice to remember me by. Maybe I could borrow some money from you and Dad.
Ellen： It's all right with me if it's all right with your dad.
Robbie： Thanks, Mom. I'll talk to him. Is he still in his office?
Ellen： I think so.
Robbie： Thanks, Mom.
Ellen： Robbie! Good luck!
Molly： Here are the X-rays you wanted , Dr. Stewart.
Philip： Oh. Thank you, Molly. Now, let me check them.
Molly： What do you think?
Philip： I don't see any breaks or fractures. Well, well. Thank you, Molly.
Molly： Thank you.
Philip： Come in! Hi, Son.
Robbie： Hi, Dad. Am I interrupting you?
Philip： No, no, no, no,. What's up?
Robbie： Can we talk?
Philip： Sure.
Robbie： I need some help.
Philip： Well, that's what fathers are for.
Robbie： Well, before I go to college, I have the whole summer...
Philip： Yes...
Robbie： And I'm planning to get a job for the summer.
Philip： And What sort of job?
Robbie： I applied for a job as a lifeguard at the community pool.
Philip： Sounds pretty good.
Robbie： Yes. I'll be earning pretty good money if I get it. But right now, I'm kind of short of cash.
Philip： Who isn't?
Robbie： And my friend Alexandra is going to Greece...
Philip： Nice girl. We'll all miss her.
Robbie： Mom says we can her a going-away surprise party.
Philip： Good idea.
Robbie： And I'd like to get her a nice gift...
Philip： What'd you have in mind?
Robbie： Well, a wristwatch, so she'll think of me when she looks at the time. Nothing flashy or expensive. Something simple-but a good one.
Philip： Sounds fine, Robbie.
Robbie： Well, I saw a nice watch. But I'll need a loan. If you could lend me the money, I could pay you back out of my lifeguard salary.
Philip： Well, I guess your mother and I can manage it. When do you need the money?
Robbie： Would tomorrow be OK?
Philip： You've got it.
Robbie： Thanks, Dad.
Philip： My pleasure, Son. Oh, and, Robbie...
Robbie： Yes?
Philip： You'll probably want the family car so you can drive her home after the party.
Robbie： Could I?
Philip： If you drive carefully.
Robbie： I will. Thanks, Dad.
Philip： My pleasure.
Robbie： You're OK, Dad.
Philip： You're not so bad yourself, Son.

Millie： How about some music?
Sandra： No, let's wait till Robbie gets back from the airport.
Millie： Did she say why she had to leave today?
Mike： She told Robbie that her flight tomorrow was canceled, so she had to take an earlier flight today.
Millie： This is terrible.
Mike： Well, that must be him.
Sandra： Why is he blowing his horn like that?
Mike： I don't know. Maybe he's angry.
Sandra： Do you think we should take down the decorations? They'll just make him sad.
Mike： Too late now. We should have done it sooner. Oh, here he comes.
Mike： Hi, How'd it go?
Robbie： OK, I guess. Especially when Alexandra gave me a surprise...
Mike： Yeah? What was it?
Robbie： This! Mike： Alexandra!
Sandra： Hi! What happened?
Alexandra： I called my parents from the airport. When I told them my friends were giving me a party, they insisted that I stay. So now I'm taking a flight on Monday instead.
Mike： That's great! Terrific!
Sandra： But how did you know the party was for you?
Alexandra： Well, Robbie told me when he gave me this.
Sandra： Oh, it's so pretty!
Alexandra： It's lovely, Robbie.
Millie： All right! Now we can really start the party!
Alexandra： No. Would you mind? I'd like to say something first.
Philip： Hear, hear!
Alexandra： I should just like to thank all of you, my friends, who have made my stay in the Unite States so wonderful. And to Robbie and the Stwart family for opening their home to me.
Robbie： We should thank you. You're a real friend!
Alexandra： And I also have a little surprise for you, Robbie. A little going-away present.
Robbie： Thank you.
Alexandra： Open it, please. I think you might be amused.
Robbie： OK. I can't believe it!
Alexandra： I guess we were thinking the same thought.
Robbie： You had it engraved!
Ellen： Read it, Robbie.
Robbie： "In friendship, always. Alexandra." I knew we thought alike, but this is too much! Thank you. Mike： All right! Let's have some music!
Robbie： Miss Pappas?
Alexandra： Mr.Stewart...
Philip： Mrs. Stewart, may I have this dance?
Ellen： My pleasure, Doctor.