Fighting down that instinct of panic which urged her to turn tail and run without further delay, Tuppence returned the lady's gaze firmly and respectfully.
Tuppence is afraid of social interactions with women. 
mnli hypothesis: Tuppence is afraid of social interactions with women.  premise: Fighting down that instinct of panic which urged her to turn tail and run without further delay, Tuppence returned the lady's gaze firmly and respectfully.