Sentence:  The task was more to Appleby's liking than the one he had <WSD>anticipated</WSD>, and it was necessary, since the smaller merchants in Cuba and also in parts of Peninsular Spain have no great confidence in bankers, and prefer a packet of golden onzas or a bag of pesetas to the best accredited cheque. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  to know of (something) before it happens; to expect.