it some share in the
rapid decay of her bodily strength.

Her uncle, Mr. Leigh Perrot, died at Scarlets on March 28. He was
childless, and left a considerable fortune. As he was also a
kind-hearted man and had always shown particular favour to the Austens,
it was reasonably expected that they would reap some immediate benefit
under his will. Most of the family were in narrow circumstances, and
they had lately been crippled by the failure of Henry's business and the
lawsuit about Edward's Hampshire property; a legacy, therefore, would
have been very acceptable. Mr. Leigh Perrot, however, was actuated in
making his will by a stronger motive than love to sister and
nephews.[361] He was devoted to his wife, and was perhaps anxious to
show that his devotion was increased in consequence of the false
accusation with which she had been assailed at Bath in 1799-1800. He
showed it by leaving everything to her for her life, and placing
Scarlets and a considerable sum at her free disposal. At the same time
he left a large sum (subject to her life interest) to James Austen and
his heirs, and L1000 apiece to _each_ of Mrs. Austen's children who
should survive his wife. Mrs. Leigh Perrot, also, at a later date, gave
allowances to some members of the family, and eventually made Edward
Austen her heir. None of these advantages, however, fell to them
immediately; and the disappointment caused by their uncle's disposition
of his property is reflected in the following letter from Jane to her
brother Charles.

[April 6, 1817.]

MY DEAREST CHARLES,--Many thanks for your
affectionate letter. I was in your debt before,
but I have really been too unwell the last
fortnight to write anything that was not
absolutely necessary. I have been suffering from a
bilious attack attended with a good deal of fever.
A few days ago my complaint appeared removed, but
I am ashamed to say that the shock of my uncle's
will brought on a relapse, and I was so ill on
Friday and thought myself so likely to be worse
that I could not but press for Cassandra's
returning with Frank after the funeral last night,
which she of course did; and either her return, or
my having seen Mr. Curtis, or my disorder's
chusing to go away, have made me better this
morning. I li