I had been sitting by myself in my usual compartment for at least ten minutes, waiting for the train ____ (start). Suddenly I heard someone shouting on the platform outside. A young girl was running towards the train. The man on duty put out his hand to stop her but she ran past____ and opened the door of my compartment. Then the whistle ___ (blow) and the train started. “I nearly missed it, didn’t I?” the girl said.  “How long does it ____ to get to London?” “It depends on the engine driver” I said.  “Some days it’s much slower than others.” “I’ll have to have my watch ___ (mend), so as not to be late again tomorrow,” she said.
“It’s my first day at work with a new firm today and they told me that the man I’m going to work for is very strict. I haven’t met him yet so I don’t know what he is like,   he sounds a bit __ (frighten).”
She talked about her new job ___ the way to London and before long, I realized that she was going to work for my firm. My secretary had just left so I must be her new boss. It was only fair to tell her. “Oh, dear,” she said.  “____ a terrible mistake! I wish I had known”. “Never mind,” I said. “At least you’ll know when your train’s late, ____ (I) will be, too.”