If Della had had short hair in the beginning of the story, I think that she would have done some kind of work to help Madam Sofronie in order to pay for the gold chain. I think this because if she tried to offer her clothes or her furniture, it would be of any use to Madam Sofronie. Madam Sofronie owns a store called Hair Goods of All Kinds, so clothes and furniture would be useful for her. Because Della wouldn't have long and beautiful hair, she can work for Madam Sofronie. Madam Sofronie can achieve something out of her help, so this is a sensible thing to do. Although it was probably hard to earn $20 back then, Della could have bargained with Madam Sofronie. Maybe Madam Sofronie could have thought that it was Christmas time, so she decided