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The communication thus given to Lady Anne took place during the absence of Mr. Palmer at Bath, a circumstance which added much to Helen's uneasiness, as she felt as if she were quite alone in the world, since she could not speak freely even to Louisa, who, again likely to be a mother, might be injured by any thing of a nature to alarm her. Something very terrible seemed impending over her—something which suspended even the claims of love in her gentle bosom. Nor were her fears without foundation; for, one morning, when she had been in bed only between two and three hours, she was awakened by the cook, who, after many apologies and lamentations, assured her "that they had been told that there would be an execution in the house within an hour." Helen jumped out of bed, and began to dress as quickly as she was able but what she was to do,