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18 The precious deposit was placed in her pocket-book, and Georgiana told to remember where it was laid; "for, you see," said Louisa, with a tremulous voice, "God only knows whether I may live to return it to you! Charles will be back as soon as possible—I know he will be here in three days; but a person in my situation is apt to get low, and I durst not ask for either of you to be with me, which is a little hard. I wonder my mother can think of leaving town for the next fortnight; if things should not go well with me, how desolate I should be without one member of my own family near me, especially her whose experience and kindness should be my support!" "You shall not be so left," said Helen, warmly. "I will be with you, and help to nurse you, if poor Georgiana can do without me." "I can, my love; the letter has put new life into me. I shall be much happier, knowing you are with Louisa; and I will beg mamma so earnestly, she will give you leave to do it, which will be best; it is no credit to any one to be on bad terms with her own mother." After seeing all the beautiful little wardrobe of the mother expectant, praising her delicate needlework, and inwardly regretting their own inability to add to it, they got a hearty lunch, intended for a dinner, and returned homewards, in better spirits the first half of the way, but much worse the remainder, for "how could they face dear Mr. Palmer, much less ask him