How does della's reaction to the hair combs develop the theme in "the gift of the magi"? the gift of the magi she is touched, showing that the gesture is more important than the object. she hides her disappointment in the combs, showing that gratitude is more important than satisfaction. she is shocked, showing that thinking before acting is better than acting without thinking. she pretends to like the combs, showing that appreciation is more important than enjoyment.