（9）。Apologizing 道歉

    Sometimes it is necessary to tell someone bad news gently.

    1.A： I'm afraid I spilled coffee on the tablecloth¹.

    B： Oh, don't worry about it.

    A： I want to apologize. Is there anything I can do？

    B： Just forget about it. I never did like it anyway.

    2.A： I'm really sorry, but I seem to have misplaced your scarf.

    B： Oh, that's all right.

    A： I'm very sorry. Can I get you another one？

    B： No. Forget about it. It's not important.

    3.A： I'm sorry, but I can't find the book you lent me.

    B： That's OK.

    A： I really feel bad about it. Let me buy you a new one.

    B： No. Don't be silly. I wouldn't dream of letting you do that.

    4.A： I feel terrible, but I've just broken your ashtray².

    B： It's nothing to get upset about.

    A： I don't know what to say. I'd like to replace it.

    B： No. It's out of the question.