英文短篇故事（纽约）522 Your English Isn't Very Good

 　　Todd went into the discount store. Leo, in his sixties, owned the Brooklyn store. Leo's first language was Chinese. He didn't know Todd by name, but he was always friendly and polite. Todd asked for a Mega and a Powerball quick pick. Leo said, "One of each?" Todd said, "Pardon? 'One a week'?" Leo repeated, "One of each?" Todd said, "Oh, 'one of each.' Yes, please." Leo gave him the two quick picks. Then, joking, Todd said, "I'm sorry I didn't understand you. My English is not too good." Todd paid and thanked Leo. Leo said nothing. Todd sensed a chill¹ in the air. Puzzled², he left the store. He thought, Maybe Leo thought I said his English was not too good. Todd went back to the store and explained his remark. Leo chuckled³. He said, "Not a problem. You're a nice guy. You wouldn't have said something like that."

1 chill   

vt.使变冷，使冷却，使沮丧；n.寒冷，风寒

参考例句：

• With the chill factor,it's nearly minus forty here.加上风寒指数，气温接近零下40度。
• The bad news cast a chill over the whole family.这坏消息使全家人感到沮丧。

2 puzzled   

adj.迷惑的；困惑的

参考例句：

• The student was puzzled about what to do next.这个学生对下一步做什么伤透了脑筋。
• I was somewhat puzzled at his unwillingness to help.他不愿意帮忙让我有点困惑。

3 chuckled   

轻声地笑( chuckle的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• She chuckled at the memory. 想起这件事她就暗自发笑。
• She chuckled softly to herself as she remembered his astonished look. 想起他那惊讶的表情，她就轻轻地暗自发笑。