She could n't help it . Her hopes were all in ruins around her . There was no dinner for Uncle James . Josephine Tracy saw her crying . Now , Josie honestly thought that she had a grievance against Alexina . But an Alexina walking unconcernedly by with a cool little nod and her head held high was a very different person from an Alexina sitting on a back doorstep , on Christmas morning , crying . For a moment Josie hesitated . Then she slowly went out and across the yard to the fence . `` What is the trouble ? '' 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 , XXXXX a little red spot on either cheek .
For across against at before of that to with without