The virgins of the kingdom are gathered together, ver. 1-4. And Esther with the rest, ver. 5-8. She finds favour with the king's chamberlain, ver. 9-11. The manner of preparing the virgins, and bringing them to the king, ver. 12-14. Esther pleases him, who makes her queen, ver. 15-20. Mordecai discovers a conspiracy against the king, ver. 21-23.