Sorry, I didn't try to help

Last Sunday, I went to the post office to get some magazine subscriptions. I was there for half an hour and there was still a long line in front of me.

My turn came at last. I quickly got everything done, and was about to leave.I But just then, some one approached me. I looked up and saw him--old and bent,a paint-spotted coat revealing his identity-a migrant worker. Instinctively I stepped backward.I was in my newly-bought pink coat.

He told me he wanted to remit some money home but didn't know how to fill out the form. He asked me if I could help him.

"Ask for the cashier at the counter." Having uttered these few words, I froze into silence.

"I have asked her. But I still don't follow her instruction. Would you kindly do me a favor?" Just then my mobile phone rang. It was an excuse to turn him down. I had my own business to attend to. Disappointedly, he gave up begging me and tried to find someone else who would lend a hand.

As I stepped out, I became restless. How could I turn down someone who was in urgent need of help?

? I wanted to say sorry to this poor migrant worker. And I spared some room here to make this special apology. That's what dwelt on my mind for a long time.
Now I can breath a sign of relief.

I can understand your feeling. Sometimes doing a good thing need courage. And also in China, the relations between people are too complicated. That's why people always feel hesitative when they are facing stanger.

Quote:

下面是引用洋羊妈妈于2005-01-09 11:11发表的:
I can understand your feeling. Sometimes doing a good thing need courage. And also in China, the relations between people are too complicated. That's why people always feel hesitative when they are facing stanger.

Your comfort really released me.
I could hardly forget the look in his eyes--humble first, then anxious, and disappointed at last.
There might be one question puzzling him: why those well-dressed ladies and gentlemen had such a coldness?
I felt rather ashamed for me and the likes that day.

Thanks for the diamond!

This apology goes farther...

read~ing~~

And then, Will you help those people who are dirty,bad dressed next time?

Quote:

下面是引用渡江一苇于2005-05-24 12:22发表的:
And then, Will you help those people who are dirty,bad dressed next time?

What a sharp question!!!
A little bit discouraged...
It seems this written apology is not enough to make up the mistake--even it is publicized in a well-known newspaper.
Anyway,open confession is good for the soul.

If I meet the humble looking people, first of all, I will think if he or she is a cheater. If not, I think I will help them.

Why it is "on" one's mind? I thought it should be "in" one's mind.

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下面是引用ilovemaya于2005-10-14 14:27发表的:
Why it is "on" one's mind? I thought it should be "in" one's mind.

Thank you for sharing me your opinion:)
But I insist "something on my mind".
My dependence lies in an example in Longman Dictionary.
It reads ---"She looks very worried; I wonder what's on her mind."
Acctually I felt regretful for being indifferent to someone, and this incident had dwelt on my mind for a long time, just like knots in my stomach.
Of course, further discussion will be welcomed.

Diversity is always a good thing:) No need to feel sorry.

I checked FAR EAST english-english DICT of IDIOMS and PHRASES. These 2 phrases have slightly different meaning:

Have in mind  
- intent, plan 欲；计划
[I don't know whom he has in mind for the job.]
- take into account, consider 考虑
- remember 记忆；记得

On one's mind
- in one's thoughts; troubling one 关心；时时放在心上。
[The approaching trial was on his mind.他关心迫近的审判。]
[What's on your mind?你有什么心事？]

I tend to agree with your usage:)

Thank you!
I do appreciate your serious attitude toward language!

Quote:

下面是引用蔚蓝于2005-05-24 09:56发表的:


What a sharp question!!!
A little bit discouraged...
It seems this written apology is not enough to make up the mistake--even it is publicized in a well-known newspaper.
.......

I don't think she's questioning your sincerity in making the apology here to the migrant worker who though may not have a chance to see it. And apologies with an effort to make correction/improvement would be more advisable. So I believe she was just providing a kind reminder or suggestion of what's the right thing to do in case you encounter similar people in the future. :)

Quote:

下面是引用fluffy于2005-12-07 20:30发表的:


I don't think she's questioning your sincerity in making the apology here to the migrant worker who though may not have a chance to see it. And apologies with an effort to make correction/improvement would be more advisable. So I believe she was just providing a kind reminder or suggestion of what's the right thing to do in case you encounter similar people in the future. :)

whatever:)

Don't worry,I am moving on, with consciousness always be our guide...

oh ok...