In the what ought to be, he understood a must be.
And it was natural to this peculiar, yet thoroughly English temperament, to be, in action, rather steadfast and patient than quick and ready.
Placed in perils familiar to him, nothing could exceed his vigour and address; but if taken unawares, and before his judgment could come to his aid, he was liable to be surprised into error.

Large minds are rarely quick, unless they have been corrupted into unnatural vigilance by the necessities of suspicion.

But a nature more thoroughly unsuspecting, more frank, trustful, and genuinely loyal than that young Earl's, it was impossible to conceive.

All these attributes considered, we have the key to much of Harold's character and conduct in the later events of his fated and tragic life.
But with this temperament, so manly and simple, we are not to suppose that Harold, while rejecting the superstitions of one class, was so far beyond his time as to reject those of another.

No son of fortune, no man placing himself and the world in antagonism, can ever escape from some belief in the Invisible.