Final answer:
Mrs. Weston adapts to Robbie's presence as part of her broader adaptation to life's challenges and changes, illustrating her expectations for consistency and loyalty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adaptation of Mrs. Weston to the idea of Robbie and her willingness to allow him to stay "until he rusts" suggests a level of acceptance and resignation to the situation. Mrs. Weston's life has undergone significant change, including a separation and a shift to a more modest living situation, yet she shows no qualms in receiving alimony. Her expectation for consistency in people's behavior and her thoughts on her own potential loyalty in similar circumstances likely contribute to her eventual adaptation to having Robbie around.
Furthermore, the character's engagement in work as a designer and the deep introspection about her past and her future illustrate a broader theme of adaptation to life's challenges and an evolving sense of self and purpose.