Aunt-Sister remarked that Charleston was experiencing the "grandeurs," which suggested that he believed too highly of himself. The narrator, however, had a different interpretation of this term for a long time. Until the age of eight, she mistakenly thought that "grandeurs" referred to some sort of illness related to bowel issues, reflecting her childhood innocence and misunderstanding of adult discussions.
This humorous anecdote illustrates how children's perceptions can be shaped by their limited experiences and the interpretations of the world around them. The contrast between Aunt-Sister's intent and the narrator's perception highlights the complexities of communication and how meanings can shift depending on one’s age and understanding.