Question

What inference can the reader BEST make about Della’s actions based on the following excerpt from “The Gift of the Magi”? So now Della's beautiful hair fell about her rippling and shining like a cascade of brown waters. It reached below her knee and made itself almost a garment for her. And then she did it up again nervously and quickly. Once she faltered for a minute and stood still while a tear or two splashed on the worn red carpet.

Della is sad because her hair is not as beautiful as it used to be.
Della knows that Jim will never forgive her for cutting her hair.
Della wishes she were rich like the Queen of Sheba.
Della laments that she will, soon, lose her most precious possession.

Answer 1

D Della laments that she will, soon, lose her most precious possession.

Answer 2

Answer: Della laments that she will, soon, lose her most precious possession.

Explanation: The inference that the reader can best make about Della's actions based on the excerpt from "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry is Della laments she will, soon, lose her most precious possession. Della is proud of her hair that reaches below her knee. It is like an ornament for her. It's Christmas Eve, and in order to buy a present for Jim, Della is going to sell her hair. She laments that she has to sell her most precious possession.