She wondered if literature might lose some of its interest when she reached an age or state of mind where her life was set on such a sure course that the things she read might stop seeming so powerfully like alternate directions for her being.
The character reflects on the potential changes in her perception of literature as she ages. She questions whether the allure and excitement of stories will diminish if her life becomes more stable and predictable, suggesting that literature serves as a source of inspiration and possibility.
This introspection highlights the connection between life's uncertainties and the appeal of fiction. As one’s path becomes clearer, the temptation to escape into other narratives may wane, raising the concern that the transformative power of reading could fade as life settles into a routine.