Who was Edla? How did she bring about a change in the peddler?

 Edla was the eldest daughter of the iron-master of the Ramsjo Iron Mill.

The peddler was a beggar and a rattrap seller. He became cynical due to the extreme adversities he faced in the course of his life. So, he started deriving immense pleasure while thinking, ills of the world. His cynicism grew to such an extent that he caused harm to his benefactors without a bit of hesitation. However, after meeting Edla, he realised that there was also a place for him in the world. Her altruism, love, generosity and tender human feelings completely transformed the misanthropic peddler to an optimistic human being.