This last edict was not the least surprising part of the whole
affair; for no one could have imagined that the Bishop or any
of his subjects had ever even heard of the Charter, much less
that they could by any circumstances comprehend its nature, or
by any means be induced to believe that its operation would
further their interests or redress their grievances. But all
this had been brought about, as most of the great events of
history, by the unexpected and unobserved influence of
individual character.
A Chartist leader had been residing for some time at Wodgate,
ever since the distress had become severe, and had obtained
great influence and popularity by assuring a suffering and
half-starving population, that they were entitled to four
shillings a day and two pots of ale, and only eight hours'
work. He was a man of abilities and of popular eloquence, and
his representations produced an effect; their reception
invested him with influence, and as he addressed a population
who required excitement, being very slightly employed and with
few resources for their vacant hours, the Chartist who was
careful never to speak of the Charter became an important
personage at Wodgate, and was much patronized by Bishop Hatton
and his Lady, whose good offices he was sedulous to
conciliate.
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