Final answer:
The aunt suppressed a gasp of admiration because she was shocked by Bernice's decision to bob her hair. In the story, Bernice's aunt and uncle were traditional and conservative, so they were taken aback by her bold and unconventional choice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The aunt suppressed a gasp of admiration because she was shocked by Bernice's decision to bob her hair. In the story, Bernice's aunt and uncle were traditional and conservative, so they were taken aback by her bold and unconventional choice. The aunt's gasp of admiration signifies her surprise and maybe even a grudging acceptance of Bernice's rebellious act.