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 James was a gourmand . '' Alexina read the letter in a maze . It was a brief epistle , stating that the writer wished to make the acquaintance of his niece and nephew , and would visit them on Christmas Day . That was all . But Alexina instantly saw a future of rosy possibilities .
For Uncle James , who lived XXXXX the city and was really a great-uncle , had never taken the slightest notice of their family since his quarrel with their father twenty years ago ; but this looked as if Uncle James were disposed to hold out the olive branch .
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