Since her husband died, Mrs. Jackson {#blank#}1{#/blank#}（live）alone in her big old house. The house was bought by her husband almost fifty years ago. For safety, her daughter has tried to ask her to sell the house {#blank#}2{#/blank#}buy a new and small one in the town. But Mrs. Jackson doesn't like the idea. She says that she has to look after her{#blank#}3{#/blank#}(husband) old house. But these days , she often {#blank#}4{#/blank#}（hear）of stories about unknown people who steal things around here.

    That was {#blank#}5{#/blank#}cold day before Christmas Eve. Around four o'clock in the afternoon, Mrs. Jackson was enjoying the Christmas music {#blank#}6{#/blank#}someone knocked at the door. She heard the sound but didn't move. Another knock. Who could it be? Mrs. Jackson was a bit afraid. She decided not to answer the door but kept{#blank#}7{#/blank#}(wait).

    One minute another minute and yet another minute,{#blank#}8{#/blank#} (something) happened and no more knocks. She walked quietly to the door, and listened. She heard nothing but the wind outside. She {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(slow) unfastened (打开) the door and watched through the crack (缝隙) . She then gave a surprised cry and threw the door wide open! At the door, she saw a tall, beautiful Christmas tree! Under the tree was a Christmas card with these {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (word):

Merry Christmas!

Your new neighbour