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In a small village in England about 150 years ago, a mail coach (邮车) was standing on the street. Around the coach many people were talking to one another about it. Mail coach did not come to that village so often in those days. People had to pay a lot of money to get a letter. The person who sent the letter did not have to pay. The person who got the letter had to pay the postage (邮资). Heres a letter for Miss Alice Brown, said the mailman. Everyone turned to a girl of about eighteen who was standing by the coach. Im Alice Brown, she said in a low voice. The mailman gave her the letter. Alice looked at the envelope for a minute, and then handed it back to the mailman. Im sorry I cant take it, she said. I dont have enough money to pay the postage. The people standing around were very sorry for the girl. They were silent for a while. Then a gentleman came up to the mailman and paid the postage for Alices letter. When the gentleman gave her the letter, she said with a smile, Oh, thank you very much, sir. This letter is from the young man Im going to marry. His name is Tom. He went to London to look for work. He has to get enough money for our marriage (结婚). Ive waited a long time for this letter, but now dont need it. I dont have to open the envelope because there is nothing inside. Really? the gentleman said in surprise. How do you know that? He told me that he would put some signs on the envelope. Look, sir, this cross in the corner means that he is well, and this circle means he has found work. Thats very good news. | 
