"If I'm to fix this end to the chandelier, move the steps over, Joe. Why shouldn't he quarrel with Stephen, if he wants to?"
"Because he's really very fond of him, because quarrelling in families is always a pity. Besides-"Joseph stopped, and began to move the steps.
"Besides what?"
"Well, Tilda, Stephen can't afford to quarrel with Nat, the silly fellow!"
"You should worry!" said Mathilda. "You aren't going to tell me that Nat has at last brought himself to make a will? Is Stephen the heir?"
"You want to know too much," said Joseph, giving her a playful smack.
"Sure I do! You're very mysterious, aren't you?"
"No, no, upon my word I'm not! I only feel it would be very foolish of Stephen to go on being on bad terms with Nat. Shall we hang this big paper-bell under the chandelier, or do you think a bunch of mistletoe would be better?"
"If you really want my opinion, Joe, I think they look equally lousy."
"Naughty girl! Such language!" Joseph said. "You young people don't appreciate Christmas as my generation did. Doesn't it mean anything to you?"