Chapter Wild Boar of Ardennes to Wilfer of W by Brewer's Readers Handbook

Maria Wilding, the lively, witty, high-spirited daughter of sir Jasper, in love with Charles Beaufort. Her father wants her to marry George Philpot, but she frightens the booby out of his wits by her knowledge of books and assumed eccentricities.—Murphy: The Citizen (1757 or 1761).

Wildrake, a country squire, delighting in horses, dogs, and field sports. He was in love with “neighbour Constance,” daughter of sir William Fondlove, with whom he used to romp and quarrel in childhood. He learnt to love Constance; and Constance loved the squire, but knew it not till she feared he was going to marry another. When they each discovered the state of their hearts, they agreed to become man and wife.—Knowles: The Love-Chase (1837).

Wildrake (Roger), a dissipated royalist.—Sir W. Scott: Woodstock (time, Commonwealth).

Wilelmina [Bundle], daughter of Bundle the gardener. Tom Tug the waterman and Robin the gardener sought her in marriage. The father preferred honest Tom Tug, but the mother liked better the sentimental and fine-phrased Robin. Wilelmina said he who first did any act to deserve her love should have it, and Tom Tug, by winning the waterman’s badge, carried off the prize.—Dibdin: The Waterman (1774). (See Skeggs, p. 1013.)

Wilfer (Reginald), called by his wife R. W., and by his fellow-clerks Rumty. He was clerk in the drug house of Chicksey, Stobbles, and Veneering. In person Mr. Wilfer resembled an overgrown cherub; in manner he was shy and retiring.

Mr. Reginald Wilfer was a poor clerk, so poor indeed that he had never yet attained the modest object of his ambition, which was to wear a complete new suit of clothes, hat and boots included, at one time. His black hat was brown before he could afford a coat; his pantaloons were white at the seams and knees before he could buy a pair of boots; his boots had worn out before he could treat himself to new pantaloons; and by the time he worked round to the hat again, that shining modern article roofed in an ancient ruin of various periods.—Ch. iv.

Mrs. Wilfer, wife of Mr. Reginald. A most majestic woman, tall and angular. She wore gloves, and a pocket-handkerchief tied under her chin. A patronizing condescending woman was Mrs. Wilfer, with a mighty idea of her own importance. “Viper!” “Ingrate!” and such-like epithets were household words with her.

Bella Wilfer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfer. A wayward, playful, affectionate, spoilt beauty; “giddy from the want of some sustaining purpose, and capricious because she was always fluttering among little things.” Belia was so pretty, so womanly, and yet so childish that she was always captivating. She spoke of herself as “the lovely woman,” and delighted in “doing the hair of the family.” Bella Wilfer married John Harmon (John Rokesmith) the secretary of Mr. Boffin “the golden dustman.”

Lavinia Wilfer, youngest sister of Bella, and called “The Irrepressible.” Lavinia was a tart, pert girl, but succeeded in catching George Sampson in the toils of wedlock.—Dickens: Our Mutual Friend (1864).