to keep her from branching into topic

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you be kind enough to give me your considered opinion concerning the interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentence?

I immediately tried to start a conversation about Swiss scenery, to keep her from branching out into topics that might betray that I did not know her, but it was of no use, she went right along upon matters which interested her more. (Mark Twain, “A Tramp Abroad”)

to keep her from branching into topic = not to let her spread fort to other subjects of conversation

V.

[Mylanguageclick]

Yes, you are right. "Branch out into something" is to diversify and go into new areas.
Regards.