Mattie considers this information, along with what she's gleaning from others talking to her, and begins to formulate a plan of how to proceed. Of course, she's sure there will obstacles (including the other residents of this place, some of whom seem to have very set ideas on how she should proceed), but Mattie tends to get her own way in the end.

"A gentleman has proposed to meet me outside, I suspect because he feels I am not capable of finding my own way. But I suppose it will be helpful for someone to point me in the direction I may best proceed." She pauses, and lets some of that (slightly defensive) pride slip away. "Perhaps I may seek your guidance as well, on occasion?"