tting down and resting a good while between
my walks I get exercise enough. I have a scheme
however for accomplishing more, as the weather
grows spring-like. I mean to take to riding the
donkey; it will be more independent and less
troublesome than the use of the carriage, and I
shall be able to go about with Aunt Cassandra in
her walks to Alton and Wyards.

_March 23._--Many thanks for your kind care of my
health; I certainly have not been well for many
weeks, and about a week ago I was very poorly. I
have had a good deal of fever at times, and
indifferent nights; but I am considerably better
now and am recovering my looks a little, which
have been bad enough--black and white and every
wrong colour. I must not depend upon being ever
very blooming again. Sickness is a dangerous
indulgence at my time of life.

_Evening._--I was languid and dull and very bad
company when I wrote the above; I am better now,
to my own feelings at least, and wish I may be
more agreeable. We are going to have rain, and
after that very pleasant genial weather, which
will exactly do for me, as my saddle will then be
completed, and air and exercise is what I want.

* * * * *

_Tuesday._--I took my first ride yesterday, and
liked it very much. I went up Mounter's Lane and
round by where the new cottages are to be, and
found the exercise and everything very pleasant;
and I had the advantage of agreeable companions,
as Aunt Cass and Edward walked by my side. Aunt
Cass is such an excellent nurse, so assiduous and
unwearied! But you know all that already.

At the end of March she made her will--a brief and simple document of
which the operative part was in these words: 'To my dearest sister
Cassandra Elizabeth, everything of which I may die possessed, or which
may hereafter be due to me, subject to the payment of my funeral
expenses and to a legacy of L50 to my brother Henry and L50 to Madame
Bigeon.'[360]

About the same time another will was causing great disappointment to the
Austen family; and as Jane was affected by anything that affected her
nearest relations, we must probably attribute to