Дары Волхвов

The sacred gifts By O. Henry A dollar and eighty seven cents. Della counted it three times. It will be Christmas tomorrow, but she has only a dollar and eighty seven cents for Jim’s present! She has been saving every cent for some long months, but expenses were bigger, than she expected. She spent many hours, planning something special for her Jim. Della was standing at the window and sadly staring outside. Suddenly she rushed to the mirror. Her eyes were shining. She quickly pulled down her hair. It should be noted that the Dillinghem couple had two possessions, that made up their pride. The first one was Jim’s gold watch, which he inherited from his grandfather and father, another one – long beautiful hair of Della. Della was standing at the mirror. Her shining shimmering hair reached below her knee. Then she did them up again and run down the stairs, to the street. She stopped at the sign “Goods of Hair” - Would you buy my hair? – she asked. - Take off your hat, – madame answered. Then she looked at the hair and said: “Twenty dollars”. Next two hours Della spent ransacking the stores in a search of present for Jim, and finally she found it. It was platinum fob chain, and it was worth of Jim and his watch. Della paid twenty one dollar and hurried back home, where she cooked the dinner and waited for Jim. He was never being late. Soon she heard his steps. The door opened. Jim walked in and fixed his eyes upon Della. Silently he looked at her. Della came up to him. Jim, my dear, - she cried, - don’t look at me that way! I had my hair cut off and sold them. I must give you a present for Christmas. They will grow out again. You are not angry with me, are you? Look at my gift. It is wonderful! And Della showed him the chain. After some time Jim wake out of trance. He took a bundle from his pocket and gave it to Della. It was his Christmas present for her. When she launched the bundle, she saw a set of combs, which she always wanted to have. But it was too expensive. Della, – said Jim, - I sold my watch to buy these combs for you.