阅读理解

　　I was on a train the other day, in an empty compartment, and I wanted to read the last part of a detective story．Then the door opened and a mother with two small children asked me, “may we sit here, Madam?” at first I wanted to say, “well, actually, I’m reading an exciting book and I’d like to finish it．Could you find another compartment?”

　　But of course I said, “yes, certainly,” I still had not finished that book．Unfortunately, I found it very difficult to say “No” to those magic words “May I…” or “would you mind if…”

　　Of course people usually ask permission to do quite harmless things, like using the telephone, turning the light on, opening the window and things like that．But then there are some funny requests．Some people even ask if they may wash their hands or take their coats off．On the other hand, very few smokers will bother to ask permission to smoke!

　　But what about those difficult requests like, “Do you mind if I come round for a cup of coffee?” or “Is it all right if I bring the children to the party? They are very good really．” The trouble is, I just don’t have the nerve to refuse．Well, do you?