Patronised by the Great House the two or three small village shops bestir themselves and awaken to activity.

The blacksmith swings his hammer with renewed spirit over the numerous jobs the gentry's stables, carriage houses, garden tools, and household repairs give to him.

The carpenter mends and makes, the vicarage feels at ease, realising that its church and its charities do not stand unsupported.
Small farmers and larger ones, under a rich and interested landlord, thrive and are able to hold their own even against the tricks of wind and weather.

Farm labourers being, as a result, certain of steady and decent wage, trudge to and fro, with stolid cheerfulness, knowing that the pot boils and the children's feet are shod.

Superannuated old men and women are sure of their broth and Sunday dinner, and their dread of the impending "Union" fades away.