I 【21】______by myself in my usual compartment for at least 10 minutes, waiting 【22】______.

I 【21】______ by myself in my usual compartment for at least 10 minutes, waiting 【22】______ . The train never seemed to start on time and I often thought that I could have 【23】______ in bed a little longer, or had another cup of tea before 【24】______ . Suddenly I heard someone 【25】______ on the platform. outside. A young girl 【26】______ towards the train. The man on duty put out his hand 【27】______ but she ran past him and opened the door of my compartment. Then the whistle blew and the train started.

"I nearly missed it, 【28】______ ？" the girl said. "How long does it take to 【29】______ London？"

"It depends on the engine driver." I said. "Some day it's much slower than others."

"I'll have to 【30】______ so as not to be late again tomorrow," she said." 【31】______ my first day at work with a new firm today and they told me that the man 【32】______ is very strict. I 【33】______ him yet so I don't know 【34】______ but he sounds a bit frightening."

She talked about the new job on the way to London and before long, I realized that she 【35】______ for my firm. I 【36】______ in the firm for nearly 20 years. Our boss was really a very strict man. My own secretary 【37】______ so I must be her new boss. 【38】______ fair to her.

"Oh, dear," she said. "What a terrible mistake! I wish I 【39】______ ."

"Never mind," I said. "At least you'll know when your train's late 【40】______ ."

【21】

A．have been sitting

B．had been sitting

C．sit

D．am sitting