“'My boy!' said the old gentleman, leaning over the desk. Oliver started at the sound. He might be excused for doing so, for the words were kindly said and strange sounds frighten one. He trembled violently• and burst into tears. "（Charles Dickens, O

“'My boy!' said the old gentleman, leaning over the desk. Oliver started at the sound. He might be excused for doing so, for the words were kindly said and strange sounds frighten one. He trembled violently• and burst into tears. "（Charles Dickens, Olive Twist.）
Explain why Oliver Twist started first then trembled violently and burst into tears when the words were "kindly" said.

The boy started at the words because kind words were not expected;it is(was)the first time in all his life that Oliver Twist had ever been “kindly" greeted； strange sounds may predict another suffering/misfortune/torture. (p252)