语法填空
阅读下面短文，按照句子结构和上下文连贯的要求在空格处填入一个适当的词或使用括号中词语的正确形式填空。
Since her husband died , Mrs. Jackson     （live）alone in her big old house . The house was bought by her husband almost fifty years ago. For safety , her daughter has tried to ask her to sell the house      buy a new and small one in the town . But Mrs. Jackson doesn’t like the idea . She says that she has to look after her    (husband) old house . But these days , she often    （hear）of stories about unknown people who steal things around here.
That was     cold day before Christmas Eve . Around four o’clock in the afternoon , Mrs. Jackson was enjoying the Christmas music     someone knocked at the door . She heard the sound but didn’t move . Another knock . Who could it be ? Mrs. Jackson was a bit afraid . She decided not to answer the door but kept   (wait) .
One minute another minute and yet another minute ,       (something) happened and no more knocks . She walked quietly to the door , and listened . She heard nothing but the wind outside . She    (slow) unfastened (打开) the door and watched through the crack (缝隙) . She then gave a surprised cry and threw the door wide open ! At the door , she saw a tall , beautiful Christmas tree! Under the tree was a Christmas card with these      (word) :
Merry Christmas !
Your new neighbour