To be sure, a more subtle reasoner might have given it as little weight, but that would have been the result of conscious wisdom.

Lydia could only argue from her predisposition regarding the class of 'gentlemen.' We know how she had shrunk from meeting Egremont.

Guided by Gilbert and Thyrza, she had taught herself to think well of him, but, given the least grounds of suspicion, class-instinct was urgent to condemn.
Only one way recommended itself to her, and that the way of love.

She must lead Thyrza to confide in her, must get at the secret by constraint of tenderness.

She might seem to suspect, but the grounds of her suspicion must be hidden.
Having resolved this, she leaned nearer and spoke gentle words such as might soothe.