—A week is too long.Try to be back in a ________of days.

Does stress cause gray hair？Many people believe that tension and stress can cause your hair to lose its color.In fact，it is an_old_wives'_tale that being upset all the time can result in premature graying.Here is a closer look at this situation and why some believe that this old wives' tale could be true.

       As one ages，the hairs on the head also age.In fact，just about everything on the human body begins to show signs of wear and tear after a while.The joints wear and become stiff and skin wears and becomes wrinkled.Hairs on the head grow and eventually die.They are replaced，but in the process something else happens.

      When new hairs are replaced，the color or pigment (色素) is also added to them.However，as one ages，this pigment becomes less and less available.At first，hairs will have a limited amount of pigment and they will appear to be grayish in color.In time，they will lose all of their pigment and will be white.Many things are known to cause graying，and genetics is a very powerful factor.If one of your parents turns gray at an early age，there is a good chance that you will too.Some people begin the graying process in high school，while others may be over the age of forty.

      Constant worry and tension can have many harmful effects on the human body.It is a known fact that stressful times can cause one to suffer hair loss.It would make sense that if it can cause these problems，perhaps it also may contribute to graying.However，there is no sound evidence to support this.

       On the other hand，many medical professionals believe that there may be a link between graying and a constant state of anxiety or tension.Does stress cause gray hair？There is no scientific evidence to support the theory，but it is best to avoid stressful situations.

       There is a very instructive incident involving the life of Alexander, the great Greek king. Alexander, after conquering many kingdoms, was returning home. On the way, he fell ill and it took him to his death bed. With death staring him in his face, Alexander realized how his conquests, his great army, his sharp sword and all his wealth were of no consequence. So, he lay helplessly waiting to breathe his last. He called his generals and said, “I will depart from this world soon, I have three wishes, please carry them out without fail.”

    “My first desire is that，” said Alexander, “My physicians alone must carry my coffin.” After a pause, he continued, “Secondly, I desire that when my coffin is being carried to the grave, the path leading to the graveyard be strewn(撒满) with gold, silver and precious stones which I have collected.” The king continued, “My third and last wish is that both my hands be kept hanging out of my coffin.” Alexander's favorite general kissed his hand and pressed them to his heart. “Oh King, we assure you that your wishes will all be fulfilled. But tell us why do you make such strange wishes？”

     At this Alexander took a deep breath and said, “I would like the world to know of the three lessons I have just learnt. I want my physicians to carry my coffin because people should realize that no doctor can really cure any body. They are powerless and cannot save a person from the clutches of death. So let people not take life for granted.

      The second wish of strewing gold, silver and other riches on the way to the graveyard is to tell people that not even a bit of gold will come with me. I spent all my life earning riches but cannot take anything with me. Let people realize that it is just a waste of time to chase wealth.

       And about my third wish of having my hands hanging out of the coffin, I wish people to know that I came empty－handed into this world and empty－handed I go out of this world.” With these words, the king closed his eyes. Soon he let death conquer him and breathed his last.

Susanin Her New Flat

(Thebell rings. Susan's mother is at the door. )

Mother：Hello, dear. Oh ! I see I've arrivedtoo late. You've almost completely settled in.

Susan：Not quite. By the way，I didn't expect you {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(come)here  to work. Come in! I'll show you theflat. This is the living  room, {#blank#}2{#/blank#}isn't completely finished yet，butit's comfortable  enough to receive myfriends，isn't{#blank#}3{#/blank#}？

Mother：Well, of course ! And that largebalcony (阳台)is {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(real) very useful. You should plant some flowers there.

Susan：Don't worry, mom. I {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(plant) somesoon. But come and  have a look at mybedroom. For the moment there is only a bed and a cupboard，butyou'll see，whenI've got some {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (bookshelf) and a desk I'll be able to work quite nicely.

Mother：And what's more, quite a goodbathroom!

Susan：I must say I looked {#blank#}7{#/blank#} nearly sixmonths. I asked estate agents and friends and went through advertisements.

Mother：I hope the rent isn't too {#blank#}8{#/blank#}.

Susan：No, it's quite {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(reason). But I'vebeen lucky because  most of the flats I{#blank#}10{#/blank#}(offer) were less comfortable and the rents were too high.

Mother：You've done very well! You're reallyvery lucky.