What is the "monkey's paw," and what is Herbert White's attitude toward it?

Sergeant-Major Morris shows the White family a dried up monkey's paw that he acquired in India. He explains that it is magic because "an old fakir," or holy man, put a spell on the monkey's paw. Morris explains that the old man did so in an attempt to show that those who try to change fate will be sorry. Morris states that, "three different men could each have three wishes from it."
Herbert's attitude toward the monkey's paw is one of curiosity in the beginning. Upon first seeing the monkey's paw, Herbert takes it and "examine[s] it curiously." The Whites at first laugh at the story but stop when they sense their laughter is hurtful to Sergeant-Major Morris. It becomes clear that when Morris leaves, Herbert does not believe the story. He says, "If the tale about the monkey’s paw is not more truthful than those he has been telling us, we shan’t make much out of it." Herbert jokingly suggests that his father should wish to "be a king." He then encourages his father to wish for just enough money to pay off their house. Upon doing so, the father insists that the paw moves in his hand. Still not believing in the monkey's paw, the son shares that he doesn't see any money. After another joke about his father finding the money in a "big bag" on his bed, Herbert says goodnight to his family.
The author shares that Herbert typically doesn't take things too seriously. Yet, as Herbert sits alone looking at the fire, he thinks he sees a monkey's face in the flames. When he reaches for water to put out the flames, he touches the paw. He then wipes his hand on his coat before going to bed. The reader sees a slight change in Herbert's attitude because he is obviously somewhat affected by touching the paw and seeing the face in the flames. However, before leaving for work the next morning, Herbert manages one last joke by saying the money may drop on his father's head "from the sky" and that his father may turn into a "mean, greedy old man."