In Henry James' "The Portrait of a Lady," the protagonist grapples with her personal fears and insecurities during a pivotal time in her life. One of her main concerns is the possibility of coming across as narrow-minded, which highlights her desire to be perceived as open and understanding. This fear reflects her anxiety about societal judgments and the importance she places on others' views.

As she navigates through her experiences and interactions, her worry then shifts to the concern of actually becoming narrow-minded. This transformation in her thoughts signifies a deeper introspection and a struggle with her identity and values. It emphasizes the conflict between her aspirations and the reality of her internal struggles as she seeks to grow and maintain her integrity.