But neither did she want to cut herself finally adrift from all chance of contact with him.

It would hurt her to go.

Probably--almost certainly--she would wish herself back again.

But, the question remained unanswered, ought she to stay?
For the first time her treasured independence arose and mocked her.

She had it in her heart to wish that the decision did not rest with herself.
It was at this point, while she was yet deep in her meditations, that a slight sound at the window made her look up.