Задание №60984 ЕГЭ Английскому языку

A friend’s letter

When I opened the letter, I confess I didn't immediately recall who Helen Smith was. But then I 30________ that there had been an extremely bright, rather plump pupil by that name who always seemed to have an endless supply of cream cakes. The only thing I gave her in return was an art book that had been a Christmas present from my aunt in Scotland. In 31________, by the time I had reached the upper sixth, the precocious little blighter was already in the lower sixth, despite there being a good two years difference in our age.

Having read her letter a second time, I couldn't imagine why the girl should want to see me. I 32________ that the only way I was likely to find out was to invite her round to tea at my little place in High Street. When I first saw Helen again, I 33________ recognized her. Not only had she lost a couple of stone, but she would have made an ideal model for a lot of advertisements that one saw displayed on the front of every bus – you know, a fresh-faced girl showing off a gleaming set of perfect teeth. I had to 34________ I was quite envious. Helen explained to me that all she needed was a room in Oxford while she was up in at the university. I was only too happy to oblige. After all, my mum made it clear on several 35________ how much she disapproved of my being in the flat on my own. I couldn't wait to 36________ Ma for that matter, the news that I had found myself an appropriate companion.