Yesterday was my birthday, so some of my classmates sent me presents. Mother prepared a tea party for me. I invited all of them to come and take part in it.

The tea party began at half past six. There were cold drinks and refreshments¹. We ate, talked and laughed. We felt that we were the happiest men in the world.

Time passed quickly. In a twinkling², the clock on the wall struck³ nine. We could not but say “Good-bye” to one another.

昨天是我生日，所以有几位我的同班同学送我礼。母亲给我准备一个茶会。我邀请他们都前来参加。

茶会下午六点半开始。有冷饮和点心。我们又吃又谈又笑。我们觉得是世界上最快乐的人。

时间过得很快。转瞬间，墙上的钟敲九点了。我们不得不互道再见。