It isn't so much pride as it is that she's not used to having anyone to help her, it's just being accustomed to doing things on her own. There is a difference in meaning, but not in practice.
She got up onto the platform alright either way and then blinked as he was moving away with her lantern. She moved up to see the dimly illuminated mosaic work.
"We owe them much, if for no other reason than that in the past we have abused them greatly."