`` I do n't know , Stephen . We 're short of money , you know , and the fund is dwindling every day . Do n't you think it 's a little extravagant to have a turkey for two people ? 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 XXXXX which Mr. Falsom was a member failed .
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