Page 291 of 817

The first part of Mrs. Gardiner's business, on her arrival, was

to distribute her presents and describe the newest fashions. When

this was done, she had a less active part to play. It became her

turn to listen. Mrs. Bennet had many grievances to relate, and

much to complain of. They had all been very ill-used since she

last saw her sister. Two of her girls had been on the point of

marriage, and after all there was nothing in it.