It
was morning. The children (were having) breakfast. There were three of them but
they (were making) enough noise for six and had no table manners. Mrs.
Large (took) a tray and (laid) it with a teapot, a cup, and a
plate with marmalade toast. She (put) the morning paper beside the cup
and (went) to the door. “Where (are you going) with that tray,
Mom?” asked Laura suspiciously. “ To the kitchen”, said Mrs. Large. –
“Why (are you going) to the kitchen?” asked the other two. – “Because
I want five minutes’ peace from all of you. That’s why”.
She entered the kitchen, (shut)
the door, (sat) down to table and poured herself a cup of tea. She closed
her eyes. Everything was so quiet/quietly. It was heaven.
Suddenly the door opened and Lester (came)
in. “Do you want me to play the flute? I have been practicing
since you told me to. Can I?” He heard his mother (gave) a sigh.
– “Please, just for one minute.” – “Go on, then.” So Lester played.
He (had just finished) when
Laura (came) in and said she (wanted) to read a page from
her reading book. – “You let Lester (play) the flute. You like him better
than/as me.” – “ Oh, (don't be) silly, Laura,” said Mrs. Large.
“Go on, read. Just one page.” So Laura read. A little one (came) in
with his toys. He (put) them on the table. – “For you,” he said. – “Thank
you,” said Mrs. Large weak/weakly.