But he well knew that this was a matter in which she might have a voice of her own, and it behoved him betimes to take wise measures where possible husbands were concerned.
The first that came in a suitor's obvious panoply was Anthony Wilding, of Zoyland Chase, and Richard watched his advent with foreboding.
Wilding's was a personality to dazzle any woman, despite--perhaps even because of--the reputation for wildness that clung to him.

That he was known as Wild Wilding to the countryside is true; but it were unfair--as Richard knew--to attach to this too much importance; for the adoption of so obvious an alliteration the rude country minds needed but a slight encouragement.
From the first it looked as if Ruth might favour him, and Richard's fears assumed more definite shape.

If Wilding married her--and he was a bold, masterful fellow who usually accomplished what he aimed at--her fortune and estate must cease to be a pleasant pasture land for bovine Richard.

The boy thought at first of making terms with Wilding; the idea was old; it had come to him when first he had counted the chances of his sister's marrying.

But he found himself hesitating to lay his proposal before Mr.Wilding.And whilst he hesitated Mr.Wilding made obvious headway.