`` My spell of fever in the summer and the consequent doctor 's bills have cleaned out my coffers completely . Not a single Christmas present can I give . And I did so want to give some little thing to each of my dearest people . But I simply ca n't afford it ... that 's the hateful , ugly truth . '' Clorinda sighed again . `` The gifts which money can purchase are not the only ones we can give , '' said Aunt Emmy gently , `` nor the best , either . '' `` Oh , I know it 's nicer to give something of your own work , '' agreed Clorinda , `` but materials for fancy work cost too . That kind of gift is just as much out of the question for me as any other . '' `` That was not what I meant , '' said Aunt Emmy . `` What did you mean , then ? '' asked Clorinda , looking puzzled . Aunt Emmy smiled . `` Suppose you think out my meaning for yourself , '' she said . `` That would be better than if I explained it . Besides , I do n't think I could explain it . Take the beautiful line of a beautiful poem to help you in your thinking out : ` The gift without the giver is bare . ' '' `` I 'd put it the other way and say , ` The giver without the gift is bare , ' '' said Clorinda , with a grimace . `` That is my predicament exactly . Well , I hope by next Christmas I 'll not be quite bankrupt . I 'm going into Mr. Callender 's store down at Murraybridge in February .
He has offered me the place , you XXXXX . ''
afford agreed asked grimace hope know mean purchase sighed think