Mr. Boon : I hope you don’t mind me asking you this, Miss Fah, but is
anything the matter?
Miss Fah : (1) to deny. Why do you ask?
Mr. Boon : Well, it’s just that you don’t seem to be your usual cheery self this morning.
Are you sure there’s nothing worrying you?
Miss Fah : Oh yes! It’s … It’s nothing really.
Mr. Boon : Er… look, Miss Fah, I know it’s really none of my business but I …er…
may be able to help. (2) to advise. (A slight pause)
Miss Fah : Well… it’s just that my sister phoned up last night. She was in a dreadful state.
It seems that her mother-in-law died yesterday morning.
Mr. Boon : Oh dear! (3) to express condolence.