He is already 'known in the gates'; known far and near.

Think how many of our neighbours come to John to settle their differences, instead of going to law! And how many poachers has he not persuaded out of their dishonest--" "Illegal," corrected John.
"Well, their illegal ways, and made decent, respectable men of them! Then, see how he is consulted, and his opinion followed, by rich folk as well as poor folk, all about the neighbourhood.

I am sure John is as popular, and has as much influence, as many a member of parliament." John smiled with an amused twitch about his mouth, but he said nothing.
He rarely did say anything about himself--not even in his own household.

The glory of his life was its unconsciousness--like our own silent Severn, however broad and grand its current might be, that course seemed the natural channel into which it flowed.
"There's Muriel," said the father, listening.
Often thus the child slipped away, and suddenly we heard all over the house the sweet sounds of "Muriel's voice," as some one had called the old harpsichord.

When almost a baby she would feel her way to it, and find out first harmonies, then tunes, with that quickness and delicacy of ear peculiar to the blind.
"How well she plays! I wish I could buy her one of those new instruments they call 'pianofortes;' I was looking into the mechanism of one the other day." "She would like an organ better.