When 'he' takes the lead all the lesser gentry--many of whom, perhaps, live in his manor houses--follow suit, and with such powerful support to back it a movement is sure to succeed, yet 'he' is rarely seen; his hand rarely felt; everything is done, but without obtrusiveness.

At these nightly councils at the chief hostelries the farmers of the district are almost as numerous as the townsmen.

They ride in to hear the news and exchange their own small coin of gossip.

They want to know what 'he' is going to do, and little by little of course it leaks out.
But the town is not all so loyal.

There is a section which is all the more vehemently rebellious because of the spectacle of its staid and comfortable neighbours.