Clorinda had long ago learned that there was sure to be something wrong in anything that could not be said to Aunt Emmy . So she stopped to think it over . Clorinda puzzled over Aunt Emmy 's meaning for four days and part of three nights . Then all at once it came to her . Or if it was n't Aunt Emmy 's meaning it was a very good meaning in itself , and it grew clearer and expanded in meaning during the days that followed , although at first Clorinda shrank a little from some of the conclusions to which it led her . `` I 've solved the problem of my Christmas giving for this year , '' she told Aunt Emmy . `` I have some things to give after all . Some of them quite costly , too ; that is , they will cost me something , but I know I 'll be better off and richer after I 've paid the price . That is what Mr. Grierson would call a paradox , is n't it ? I 'll explain all about it to you on Christmas Day . '' On Christmas Day , Clorinda went over to Aunt Emmy 's . It was a faded brown Christmas after all , for the snow had not come . But Clorinda did not mind ; there was such joy in her heart that she thought it the most delightful Christmas Day that ever dawned . She put the queer cornery armful she carried down on the kitchen floor before she went into the sitting room . Aunt Emmy was lying on the sofa before the fire , and Clorinda sat down beside her . `` I 've come to tell you all about it , '' she said . Aunt Emmy patted the hand that was in her own . `` From your face , dear girl , it will be pleasant hearing and telling , '' she said . Clorinda nodded . `` Aunt Emmy , I thought for days over your meaning ... thought until I was dizzy .
And then one evening it just came XXXXX me , without any thinking at all , and I knew that I could give some gifts after all .
about after armful down in into of on that to