Why did the heroine react the way she did to Maxim’s confession? How does this new knowledge alter the heroine's behavior and her sense of herself?

The narrator's feelings and behaviors were based on her fear that Maxim still loved his wife...... she was jealous and uncertain. Maxim's revelation frees her from these feelings...... rather than existing in a world of mystery and uncertainty, Maxim has provided her with an immense sense of relief.