Final answer:
Mary was impressed by the neighbor girl's confidence and independence when she came to take her to school.
Step-by-step explanation:
The neighbor girl who came to take Mary to school the day after they arrived made a strong impression on her.
Mary was impressed by the girl's confidence, independence, and fearlessness.
She admired the girl's ability to navigate the new environment and take charge of the situation, which made Mary feel more at ease in her new surroundings.