英文短篇故事（纽约）346 A Cheap Grandpa

 　　Jay's niece Sonya, 30, sent him a wedding invitation. She had finally found Mr. Right. Jay called his dad. Jay said, "Congratulations¹! You might be a great grandpa again next year." His dad didn't seem too happy. Jay asked, "Is something wrong?" Dad said, "A year ago, Sonya dropped by so we could meet her fiancé. She introduced him to me as the world's cheapest grandpa." Jay said, "She was joking, right?" Dad said, "She was dead serious." Jay said, "She meant it? Shame on her! You weren't cheap. You and Mom struggled to raise six kids. You had to watch every penny². Why would Sonya say something so mean? Mom told all her kids and grandkids, at least a thousand times, 'If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.' You know what I think? I think you should give Sonya a toaster for a wedding gift."

1 congratulations   

n.祝贺；贺词；祝词

参考例句：

• I send you my warmest congratulations on your success. 我对你的成功致以最热烈的祝贺。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Please give her my congratulations when you see her. 见到她时请转达我的祝贺。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 penny   

n.（英）便士，美分

参考例句：

• I will not lent you a penny.我一便士都不愿借给你。
• Sugar has risen a penny a pound.糖价每磅涨了1便士。