Stephen and Duncan followed with a hot mince pie apiece . And in a few more minutes Alexina gravely announced to Uncle James that dinner was ready . The dinner was a pronounced success , marked by much suppressed hilarity among the younger members of the party . Uncle James ate very heartily and seemed to enjoy everything , especially the mince pie . `` This is the best mince pie I have ever sampled , '' he told Alexina . `` I am glad to know that I have a niece who can make such a mince pie . '' Alexina cast an agonized look at Josie , and was on the point of explaining that she was n't the maker of the pie . But Josie frowned her into silence . `` I felt so guilty to sit there and take the credit -- your credit , '' she told Josie afterwards , as they washed up the dishes . `` Nonsense , '' said Josie . `` It was n't as if you could n't make mince pies . Your mince pies are better than mine , if it comes to that . It might have spoiled everything if you 'd said a word . I must go home now . Wo n't you and Stephen come over after your uncle goes , and spend the evening with us ? We 'll have a candy pull . '' When Josie and Duncan had gone , Uncle James called his nephew and niece into the parlour , and sat down before them with approving eyes . `` I want to have a little talk with you two . I 'm sorry I 've let so many years go by without making your acquaintance , because you seem worth getting acquainted with . Now , what are your plans for the future ? ''
`` I 'm going into a lumber mill at Lessing and Alexina is going XXXXX the T. Morson store , '' said Stephen quietly .
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