A large dinner party is being given by a government officer and his wife.The guests are army officers and their wives，and an American scientist.
   At one side of the long table，a heated discussion is going on between a young girl and an army officer.The girl insists women have already said goodbye to the era of jumping on a chair at the sight of a mouse，and that they are not as timid（膽小的）as their grandmothers were.The officer says they are，arguing women don't have the actual nerve control.
   "A woman's reaction in any danger，"the officer says，"is to scream.And while a man may feel like it，he has that ounce（一點點）more of control than a woman has."
   The American scientist does not join in the argument but sits and watches the faces of the other guests.As he watches，he sees a strange expression come over the face of the hostess.With a small gesture she calls in the servant（仆人）and says something to him.The servant's eyes widen.He turns quickly and leaves the room.No one else sees this，nor the servant when he puts a bowl of milk outside the glass doors.
   The American understands.In India，milk in a bowl means only one thing.It is bait for a snake.He realizes there is a snake in the room.
   His first reaction is to jump back and warn the others.But he knows any sudden movement will frighten the snake.So he speaks quickly and loudly，trying to draw everyone's attention."I want to know just what control everyone at this table has.I will count three hundred—that's five minutes—and not one of you is to move a single muscle.Now!Ready!"
   The twenty people sit like stone images while he counts.He is saying "_two hundred and eighty..."when，out of the comer of his eye，he sees the snake appear and make for the bowl of milk.Four or five screams ring out as he jumps to shut the doors.
   "You were certainly right，officer!"the host says aloud."A man has just shown us real control."
   "Just a minute，"the American says，turning to his hostess，"Mrs.Wynnes，how did you know that snake was in the room？"
   A smile lights up the woman's face as she replies."Because it was lying across my foot."

（1）Where does the story happen？

D

D

A．In China.
B．In America.
C．In Indonesia.
D．In India.
（2）What are the young girl and the army officer arguing about？

D

D

A．Whether girls are afraid of mice.
B．Whether girls are talented in screaming.
C．Whether men are cleverer than women.
D．Whether men have better control than women.
（3）Why does the American scientist start to play a game？

B

B

A．He wants to play a trick on the other guests.
B．He doesn't want anyone to frighten the snake.
C．He wants to make the dinner party more interesting.
D．He wants to help the army officer to win the argument.
（4）Which words can best describe Mrs.Wynnes？

B

B

A．Warm-hearted and responsible.
B．Calm and courageous.
C．Timid and frightened.
D．Open-minded and creative.