In her position, was there any ready human creature within reach but the vagabond downstairs?
Not one.

She thought of it anxiously, she thought of it long.

Not one! There the choice was, steadily confronting her: the choice of taking the Rogue, or of turning her back on the Purpose.
She paused in the middle of the room.

"What can he do at his worst ?" she said to herself.

"Cheat me.