【明報專訊】Eason says he is ashamed of the wrong things he has done and has mended his ways. He is trying to persuade Bill to team up with him. Will Bill behave with integrity in the face of Eason's bribe?
“ Eason: Hey Bill, I want to tell you something...”
“ Bill: Eason! You're up to no good again, aren't you? ”
“ Eason: I regret what I've done. I want to be good. Will you stand by me? 'll give you all of my pocket money! ”
“ Bill: I won't take your money, but you've my support if you do good.”
“ Eason: Take it! This is a secret between us. Just let me know when the Smarties are coming so that I can hide myself! ”
“ Bill: I will never betray my teammates! ”
“ Pat: Are you all right? What's happened? ”
“ Bill: A leopard doesn't change its spots. Eason was trying to corrupt me. ”
■English highway﹕-words and collocations
idioms based on animals
a leopard cannot change its spots - a person cannot change his or her character
get the lion's share - get the biggest share
like a fish out of water - being uncomfortable in a situation
■Quiz
(answers on next text)
Match the texts on both sides to complete the sentences.
1. The waiter tried to be nice to the customers
2. Peter wants to control the company,
3. I can tell Lily doesn't like being the centre of attention
a. so he is trying to acquire the lion's share of the shares in it.
b. because she is like a fish out of water when she is on stage.
c. but he was still rude. A leopard can't change its spots.
■Glossary
integrity (n) 正直
bribe (n) 賄賂
betray (v) 背叛
share (n) 股份