she asked . Alexina forgot that there was such a thing as dignity to be kept up ; or , if she remembered it , she was past caring for such a trifle . `` Our dinner is gone , '' she sobbed . `` And there is nothing to give Uncle James to eat except vegetables -- and I do so want to make a favourable impression ! '' This was not particularly lucid , but Josie , with a flying mental leap , arrived at the conclusion that it was very important that Uncle James , whoever he was , should have a dinner , and she knew where one was to be had . But before she could speak Stephen returned , looking rueful . `` No use , Lexy . That man was only old Mr. Byers , and he had seen no signs of a tramp . There is a trail of grease right across the road . The tramp must have taken directly to the woods . We 'll simply have to do without our Christmas dinner . '' `` By no means , '' said Josie quickly , with a little red spot on either cheek . `` Our dinner is all ready -- turkey , pudding and all . Let us lend it to you . Do n't say a word to your uncle about the accident . '' Alexina flushed and hesitated . `` It 's very kind of you , '' she stammered , `` but I 'm afraid -- it would be too much -- '' `` Not a bit of it , '' Josie interrupted warmly . `` Did n't Duncan and I have Christmas dinner at your house last year ? Just come and help us carry it over . '' `` If you lend us your dinner you and Duncan must come and help us eat it , '' said Alexina , resolutely .
`` I 'll come of course , '' said Josie , `` and I think XXXXX Duncan will too if -- if -- '' She looked at Stephen , the scarlet spots deepening .
If about before of on over that to with without