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. Still Richard dared not
do it. There was a something in Wilding's eye that cried him
danger. Thus, in the end, since he could not attempt a compromise with
this fine fellow, the only course remaining was that of direct
antagonism - that is to say, direct as Richard understood directness.
Slander was the weapon he used in that secret duel; the countryside
was well stocked with stories of Mr. Wilding's many indiscretions.
I do not wish to suggest that these were unfounded. Still, the
countryside, cajoled by its primitive sense of humour into that
alliteration I have mentioned, found that having given this dog its bad
name, it was under the obligation of keeping up his reputation. So it
exaggerated. Richard, exaggerating those exaggerations in his turn, had
some details, as interesting and unsavoury as they were in the main
untrue, to lay before his sister.

Now established love, it is well known, thrives wondrously on slander.
The robust growth of a maid's feelings for her accepted suitor is but
further strengthened by malign representations of his character. She
seizes with joy the chance of affording proof of her great loyalty,