and my limit is the theatrical Mrs. B's of the world! Their noisy self-immersion wears on me more quickly than some other traits. I would have to shut myself in my room too or help Jane in some out-of-the-house way (endless errands) or concoct a reason to join Father in London looking for Lydia or make tracks for the Gardiners' home ASAP to 'help with the children' while the shrieking was going on at home! I've just never been able to abide shrill hysterics...Mrs. B is shrill pretty much on a daily basis and grows even more shrill during a real crisis---the last thing anyone needs! Not that she cares what anyone needs, of course. I agree---Mary and Kitty (and probably Jane) must be near to tearing out their locks! Even later, when Mrs. B's horrified hysteria turns to 'merriment', I would have to leave the room! "My dear, dear Lydia!---How merry we shall be together when we meet!"