Five daughters successively entered the world, but yet the son was to come; and Mrs.
Bennet, for many years after Lydia's birth, had been certain that he would.

This event had at last been despaired of, but it was then too late to be saving.

Mrs.Bennet had no turn for economy, and her husband's love of independence had alone prevented their exceeding their income.
Five thousand pounds was settled by marriage articles on Mrs.Bennet and the children.

But in what proportions it should be divided amongst the latter depended on the will of the parents.

This was one point, with regard to Lydia, at least, which was now to be settled, and Mr.Bennet could have no hesitation in acceding to the proposal before him.