Work: A Story of Experience - Chapter 12

ON the fourth of September, Christie woke up, saying to herself: "It is my birthday, but no one knows it, so I shall get no presents. Ah, well, I'm too old for that now, I suppose;" but she sighed as she said it, for well she knew one never is too old to be remembered and beloved., ,Just then the door opened, and Mrs. Sterling ¹ entered, carrying what looked very like a pile of snow-flakes in her arms. Laying this upon the bed, she kissed Christie, saying with a tone and gesture that made the words a benediction ²:, ,"A happy birthday, and God bless thee, my daughter!", , ,"How sweet, how kind of you, this is! I didn't dream you knew about to-day, and never thought of such a beautiful surprise," cried Christie, touched and charmed by this unexpected celebration., ,"Thee mentioned it once long ago, and we remembered. They are very humble ⁴ gifts, my dear; but we could not let the day pass without some token of the thanks we owe thee for these months of faithful service and affectionate companionship.", ,Sterling has recently been strong,which will help to abate inflationary pressures.英国货币最近非常坚挺 ，这有助于减轻通胀压力 。,The priest pronounced a benediction over the couple at the end of the marriage ceremony.牧师在婚礼结束时为新婚夫妇祈求上帝赐福。