Dialogue 7

WHY DIDN'T CALL US?

Laurance-When did you get here?

Soony- Just a few minutes ago.

Ikea- We've been waiting for almost an hour.

Soony- I'm sorry, but I had car trouble--a flat tire.

Laurance-Oh. That's too bad. Couldn't you have telephoned?

Soony- I was going to, but I didn't have any change for a

pay phone.

Ikea- You could have gotten some change in a store.

Soony- Not really. The tire went flat out on the edge of

town. There wasn't any place to call from.

Ikea- WelL at least you're here now. No need to wait

any longer. So let's get started!

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注解:

a flat tire:轮胎瘪了

Could you have telephoned?此句用虚拟语气,有"你该做而没有做"的责备之意.

change:零钱.这里指硬币.

a pay phone:公用电话.公用电话是收费的,所以也称a pay phone.

went flat=became flat,went 在这里是系动词.

get started(口语)=begin work