The answer is C) He had just bought her a gift for her hair. He had just bought her a really nice set of combs for her hair, then he comes home and finds out she cut it. He is very shocked.
In "The Gift of the Magi," Jim is shocked to learn that Della has decided to cut her hair. This is because he had just bought her a set of combs that he thought were perfect for her long hair. However, although he is surprised, he does not seem upset, and they are both reassured by the fact that her hair will grow again soon.
