阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出可以填人空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
It was a bitter, cold evening in northern Virginia many years ago. The old man was ____ for a ride across the river. The wait seemed ____. His body became stiff(僵硬的) from the cold north wind.
He heard the ____ of approaching hooves(马蹄) running along the frozen path. Anxiously, he ___ as several horsemen rounded the bend. He let the first one pass by ____an effort to get his attention. Then another passed by, and another. ____, the last rider drew near. The old man caught the rider’s eyes and said, “Sir, would you ____ giving an old man a ride to the other side?”
Reining (勒住) his horse, the rider replied, “Sure thing. Hop____.” The horseman got off and helped the old man onto the horse. He took the old man not ____ across the river, but to his destination.
As they neared the tiny but cozy cottage, the horseman’s ____ caused him to inquire, “Sir, I noticed that you let several other riders pass by. I’m curious ___ you would wait and ask the last rider. What if I had ____ and left you there?”
The old man replied, “I looked into the eyes of the other ___ and immediately saw there was no concern for my situation. It would have been ____ even to ask them for a ride. But when I looked into your eyes, kindness and compassion were ____. I knew your gentle spirit would _____ the opportunity to help me.”
Those heartwarming comments ____ the horseman deeply. “I’m most ____ for what you have said,” he told the old man. “May I ___ get too busy in my own affairs so that I fail to ____ to the needs of others with kindness and compassion.” with that, Thomas Jefferson turned his horse around and made his way back to the White House.

A．waiting B．searching C．preparing D．leaving

A．wordless B．priceless C．careless D．endless

A．number B．distance C．rhythm D．length

A．stopped B．watched C．followed D．wandered

A．beyond B．with C．through D．without

A．Finally B．Luckily C．Sadly D．Slowly

A．enjoy B．avoid C．mind D．admit

A．ahead B．aboard C．below D．above

A．still B．yet C．even D．just

A．courage B．determination C．curiosity D．bravery

A．why B．when C．how D．where

A．agreed B．changed C．escaped D．refused

A．soldiers B．riders C．leaders D．enemies

A．successful B．necessary C．useless D．impolite

A．obvious B．missing C．hidden D．helpful

A．order B．force C．allow D．welcome

A．affected B．touched C．injured D．shocked

A．careful B．peaceful C．grateful D．powerful

A．never B．always C．usually D．often

A．stick B．lead C．point D．respond