It was in vain that Mrs. Greenow protested against these gifts,--for she did protest and declared that if they were continued, they would be sent back. They were, however, continued, and Mrs. Greenow was at her wits' end about them. 
In vain Mrs. Greenow protested against these gifts, saying she would send them back; but they continued, and she was at her wits' end about them. 