At first they hoped to be able to get something to do in Thorndale , so that they might keep their home . This proved impossible . After much discouragement and disappointment Stephen had secured a position in the lumber mill at Lessing , and Alexina was promised a place in a departmental store in the city . To make matters worse , Duncan Tracy and Stephen had quarrelled in October . It was only a boyish disagreement over some trifle , but bitter words had passed . Duncan , who was a quick-tempered lad , had twitted Stephen with his father 's failure , and Stephen had resented it hotly . Duncan was sorry for and ashamed of his words as soon as they were uttered , but he would not humble himself to say so . Alexina had taken Stephen 's part and her manner to Josie assumed a tinge of coldness . Josie quickly noticed and resented it , and the breach between the two girls widened almost insensibly , until they barely spoke when they met . Each blamed the other and cherished bitterness in her heart . When Stephen came home from the post office he looked excited . `` Were there any letters ? '' asked Alexina . `` Well , rather ! One from Uncle James ! '' `` Uncle James , '' exclaimed Alexina , incredulously . `` Yes , beloved sis . Oh , you need n't try to look as surprised as I did . And I ordered the turkey after all . Uncle James has invited himself here to dinner on Christmas Day .
You 'll have a chance to show your culinary skill , for you know we 've always been told that Uncle XXXXX was a gourmand . ''
Alexina Duncan James Josie Lessing Stephen Thorndale Tracy first tinge