A merchant sent his son to learn the secret of happiness from the wisest of men. After the young man entered the castle of the wisest of men, he saw _(16)_ people talking with the old man.　The young man did not rush to meet him, but _(17)_ waited beside a window for nearly two hours.　When it was finally his turn for _(18)_, he explained the reason for his visit.　But the wise man said he did not have the time to explain to him the secret of happiness at the moment.　He suggested that the young man _(19)_ a stroll around his palace and come back in two hours.　　      “However, I want to _(20)_ you,” he added, handing the boy a teaspoon into which he had poured two drops of oil.　“While you walk, carry this spoon and don’t let the oil spill out.”
【題組】16.
(A) a great number of　
(B) a large amount of　
(C) a great deal of　
(D) a large sum of