Mrs. Allen’s husband died ten years ago when her son and daughter were still in high school. Mr. Allen had left some money, and since Mrs. Allen had managed a bookstore before she was married, she took the money and bought a shop in town. Later she moved the shop out to the shopping center. She was a pleasant woman; she worked hard and was well-informed about books, and so the bookstore prospered(生意兴隆) and she was able to hire a friend to help her. Laura Barnes, Mrs. Allen’s friend and assistant, was also a widow. She had some free time and the need for a little extra-money, and so she took the job in the bookstore. She was too clever and friendly, and the two women were well-known in the neighbourhood as “Mrs. A” and “Mrs. B” 41. How many people in all were there in the two women’s families? ______. A. At least 8 B. At least 7 C. At least 6 D. At least 4 42. The bookstore prospered ______. A. after Mrs. Allen lost control of it B. before Mrs. A got to know Mrs. B C. because the two women had little housework to do D. because Mrs. A became expert at management and threw herself into it 43. Why did Mrs. A hire Mrs. B? ______. A. Mrs. B asked for very little pay B. She believed that Mrs. B was the very person to help her to improve management C. Mrs. B was a friend of hers D. She was also that kind of woman like her 44. Which of the following is true? ______. A. Mrs. A set up her bookshop in the shopping center B. Mr. Allen was dead but Mr. Barnes alive C. Mrs. A managed to set another bookstore with Mrs. B D. The two children of Mrs. A were of the same age