When reading a book in a Florida library a year before, John became _____ (interest) not in the contents of the book, but in the notes penciled in the margin. He discovered the former owner's name and located her address and wrote a letter introducing himself. During the next year, they grew to know each other through the mail. John requested a photograph, ______she refused, saying if he really cared, it wouldn’t matter what she looked like. When the day finally came, their first meeting was 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Central Station.
She wrote, “You’ll recognize me by ____ rose I wear on my coat.” So now John was in the station to meet the girl with a rose.
As a pretty and slim girl in green came over, John noticed her blue eyes like flowers in spring. He walked directly towards her, entirely forgetting she was not wearing a rose. As John came closer to her, he saw another woman with a red rose stood nearby. Well past 40, this woman had graying hair done under a worn hat. Seeing the girl in green _____ (walk) quickly away, John felt as if he _____ (split) in two. He desired to follow that girl, but longed for the woman _____ spirit had truly companioned and supported him.
The woman looked gentle and sensible. John went to her, saying, “I’m Captain John Blanchard. You ______ be Miss Hollis. I am glad to meet you here. May I take you to dinner?”
She replied with a smile, “I don’t know what this is about. But the lady in green who just went by, ____ (beg) me to wear this rose on my coat. She said if you asked me out to dinner, I’d tell you she is waiting for you in the big restaurant across the street!”