Tom had once worked in a city office in London,but now he is out of work.He had a large family?to support,so he often found himself in difficulty.He often visited Mr.White on Sundays,told him about?his troubles,and asked for two or three pounds.
Mr.White,a man with a kind heart,found it difficult to refuse the money,though he himself?was poor.Tom had already received more than thirty pounds from Mr.White,but he always seemed?to be in need of some more.
One day,after telling Mr.White a long story of his troubles,Tom asked for five pounds.
Mr.White had heard this sort of thing before,but he listened patiently to the end.Then he?said,"I understand your difficulties,Tom.I′d like to help you.But I′m not going to give you five?pounds this time.I′11 lend you the money,and you can pay me off next time you see me."
Tom took the money,but he never appeared again.
Tom was now in difficulties because he
【考情点拨】事实细节题。【应试指导】文章第一段前两句指出，汤姆身处困境，因为他失业了，还得养活一大家人。
