Final answer:
Louise repeats the phrase 'Free! Body and soul free!' as she recovers from the news of her husband's death, symbolizing her newfound sense of freedom and liberation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Louise, the wife in the story, repeats the phrase 'Free! Body and soul free!' to herself as she recovers from the news of her husband's death. This phrase represents her newfound sense of freedom and liberation after realizing that she is no longer bound by her husband's will. It signifies her desire to live for herself and embrace the years to come on her own terms.