Final answer:
Matthew's decision to let Anne stay likely stems from a complex interplay of factors including fear, companionship, and a sense of duty. Isolation and the human need for companionship, alongside the moral responsibility toward others' safety, are central themes that influence his behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reasons behind Matthew, an old bachelor, deciding to let Anne stay, despite his fears, can be inferred from a mix of companionship and perhaps a sense of duty or protection. The provided excerpts conjure a narrative of isolation, the yearning for companionship, and the complexities of relationships, whether due to societal pressures or personal fears. It is not one explicit reason, but a tapestry of circumstances and emotions that lead characters like Matthew to behave the way they do.
The decision might be informed by compassion or a perceived obligation to ensure safety. Subtexts in these stories often hint at deeper connections and the innate human need for company, which overcomes initial apprehensions. The value of companionship, often more felt in lonesome times, alongside the moral responsibility one feels towards others, especially in the face of danger or societal expectations, plays a substantial role in such decisions.
Significantly, the narrative touches upon the dangers women faced and the protective instincts this might evoke, as well as the themes of love, duty, and the sacrifices made for happiness or perceived societal obligations. These elements serve as crucial undertones in the decisions made by characters like Matthew, reflecting broader social and individual complexities.