“They tell me that you’d like to make a statue（塑像）of me — is that correct, Miss Vinnie Ream?”
The deep, gentle voice helped calm the nervous girl. Asking a favor of the President of the United States was no casual matter, especially for a seventeen-year-old girl.
“Yes, sir,” she replied, her dark eyes meeting his. “I wouldn’t have dared to ask you, but my teacher, Mr. Mills, says I am ready. I plan to make it in an admirable manner. ”
President Lincoln smiled. “Painters, sculptors — they’ve all tried to make the best of this ordinary face, but I’m afraid there’s not much hope. What did you have in mind, Miss Ream? A bust（半身像）?”
Before Vinnie could say yes, the President hurried on, a shade of apology in his voice. “Of course — I shouldn’t have asked. A full-length pose would be much too big a project for a young woman your size. ”
Vinnie’s face turned red. She realized she looked like a child, with her tiny figure. “Small does not mean weak, sir,” she defended herself. “I was born in the country of Wisconsin. I’ve driven teams of horses and carried water. Making a full-length clay（粘土）figure would not exhaust my strength — and that is what I intend to do!”
The President’s eyes, brightened at her show of spirit. “Sorry, madam, I have underestimated you as I didn’t know your background. ”
But his smile faded as he rubbed his beard with bony fingers, in thought. “Miss Ream,” he sighed, “I’d like to let you do it, but as you know, we are in the middle of a war. How could I possibly take the time to pose for a sculpture now? I hardly have a minute to myself. ”
Vinnie glanced around and noted the size of his office. “I work quickly,” she said. Her voice was soft but confident as she pointed to the corner near the windows. “If I were to bring my clay here and work for three hours every afternoon, I could complete most of the project while you are at your desk. ”
The President seemed to consider her idea seriously. He got up and shook Vinnie’s hand warmly, “I’ve heard that you are a talented young woman, and I have found you charming and intelligent as well. I cannot make my decision immediately, but you will hear from me soon. ”
The very next day, Vinnie received an invitation from the President.
41. What gave Vinnie confidence to make her request of President Lincoln?
AHer aggressive personality.
BMr. Mills’s encouraging remark.
CPresident Lincoln’s gentle voice.
DHer interest in a challenging job.
42. How did President Lincoln first respond to Vinnie’s request?
APleased.BThrilled.CRegretful.DDoubtful.
43. Vinnie confirmed her ability to make a full-length statue by highlighting ______.
Aher experience from other projects
Bher innocent childhood in the country
Cthe heavy labor she had done before
Dthe skill she picked up in Wisconsin
44. Vinnie wanted to choose the corner near the windows to ______.
Aachieve effects of natural lighting
Bkeep all her tools within easy reach
Cobserve the President at a right angle
Davoid disturbing the President’s work
45. What message does the story convey?
AA strong-willed soul can reach his goal.
BExperience helps to promote excellence.
CUps and downs make one strong.
DDevotion requires enthusiasm.