during that time I do
not think that I have met any man of such
singularly nice feelings of honour and justice.

I am sensible that there is some impropriety in
this address--but you must excuse it as I snatched
this piece of paper the moment I had read the
paragraph I allude to--and with tears of
indignation in my eyes--aye Sir!--with actual, not
sentimental, tears in my eyes I sat down to write
to you.

Perhaps, after all, you are not the objects of
this transaction!

Even if that should be the fact you will pardon me
for renewing my claim to your remembrance and for
assuring you that you possess my esteem and
affection.

Yours sincerely,
RICHD LOVELL EDGEWORTH.
James Leigh Perrot, Esq., Bath, England.

This strange and painful episode in the life of the family was thus
brought to a satisfactory ending. An accusation of petty and
purposeless theft had been made against a woman whose uprightness was
known to all those around her; a wife who enjoyed (then and always) the
absolute confidence of an upright husband. It had been found baseless by
a jury after only a few minutes' deliberation; and the Leigh Perrots had
the pleasure of seeing the high estimation in which they were held by
their neighbours exhibited in a strong light. This estimation was to be
theirs for the remainder of their lives, extending in his case over
seventeen, and in hers over thirty-five years.[106] For our particular
purpose the story seems worth narrating, because it shows that the
peaceful and well-ordered progress of Jane Austen's life was not beyond
the reach of tragic possibilities. Indeed, at or near this time there
were three particular occurrences which, when taken together, might well
disturb the serenity and cheerfulness of her mind, and indispose her for
writing--especially writing of a humorous character. One of these
events, which has already been recorded, was her love story in the West;
another was Mrs. Leigh Perrot's trouble; and the third--the loss of her
old home--will form part of the subject of the next two chapters.

FOOTNOTES:

[99] Paragon Buildings are well placed in a convenient part of Bath,
between York House Hotel and Walcot Church. From the back of the houses
there is a fine