And somehow I do n't feel a bit Christmassy . I think I 'd rather spend it just like any other day and try to forget that it is Christmas . Everything would be so different . '' `` That 's true , Lexy . And we must look after the bawbees closely , I 'll admit . '' When Stephen had gone out Alexina cried a little , not very much , because she did n't want her eyes to be red against Stephen 's return . But she had to cry a little . As she had said , everything was so different from what it had been a year ago . Their father had been alive then and they had been very cosy and happy in the little house at the end of the street . There had been no mother there since Alexina 's birth sixteen years ago . Alexina had kept house for her father and Stephen since she was ten . Stephen was a clever boy and intended to study medicine . Alexina had a good voice , and something was to be done about training it . The Tracys lived next door to them . Duncan Tracy was Stephen 's particular chum , and Josephine Tracy was Alexina 's dearest friend . Alexina was never lonely when Josie was near by to laugh and chat and plan with . Then , all at once , troubles came . In June the firm of which Mr. Falsom was a member failed . There was some stigma attached to the failure , too , although the blame did not rest upon Mr. Falsom , but with his partner . Worry and anxiety aggravated the heart trouble from which he had suffered for some time , and a month later he died .
Alexina and Stephen were left alone XXXXX face the knowledge that they were penniless , and must look about for some way of supporting themselves .
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