I'm embarrassed by how far I misunderstood. After the lead up to sometimes it it isn't Mrs. Norris, it's the night sky, I somehow took you were saying that Fanny copes by going to la la land. Apparently I'm the only one in la la land. I'm sorry that I reflected back something you never meant, which made a lot of my response not even to the purpose. Laugh with me or at me, but hopefully you'll forgive me.

I still disagree somewhat though with point 2. What you describe as concentrating, or redefining to a narrower view, just seems to me to be Fanny responding to the moment with her typically strong emotions with no concentration required.

She walked out directly, as her uncle recommended, and followed his advice throughout, as far as she could; did check her tears; did earnestly try to compose her spirits and strengthen her mind. She wished to prove to him that she did desire his comfort, and sought to regain his favour; and he had given her another strong motive for exertion, in keeping the whole affair from the knowledge of her aunts. Not to excite suspicion by her look or manner was now an object worth attaining; and she felt equal to almost anything that might save her from her aunt Norris.