The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 239: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE FAMILY VAULT 209 over the pavement, ‘‘ inasmuch as it covers the steps leading down into the vault.” “This is the stone, my lady,’ returned Northwitch, pointing with a crowbar to a particular flag. : ‘Then raise it,’ said the marchioness. ‘“ Will the task be a long one? Because, if so, 1 may as well search in the meantime for a particular entry in the register of deaths.” “ We shall not be long moving the stone, my lady,’ replied Northwitch; ‘‘ because it was lifted a short time back, and is therefore comparatively loose in its setting. I mean that the cement is not properly dry yet, and I dare say that Chap- man who raised the stone for the earl’s agents did not trouble himself to put it down again with overmuch care. However, here goes! ”’ To work accordingly went the sexton and his assistant; and Lady Bellenden decided upon remaining to visit the place of tombs first, before she répaired to the vestry to examine the register. In about twenty minutes the enormous stone was raised and rolled back from the mouth of the subterranean vault which it covered. The sexton and his man then lighted their lanterns, and, having allowed a few minutes for the escape of the foul air from the place, they descended the narrow flight of stone steps which led down into the family vault of the ancient race of Bellenden. The marchioness followed, and the clergyman closed the rear. The subterranean vault has already been described, in a former chapter, as spacious; and around the walls were ar- ranged numerous coffins, in three rows, — the lowest standing upon the paved floor, and the other two resting on stout iron supporters projecting from the solid masonry. By these means no coffin actually stood upon another, and be- tween the rows there was space sufficient to enable the plates upon the lids to be examined without moving the coffins themselves. The party reached the bottom of the steps and were ad- vancing farther into the vault, when a sudden ejaculation of horror burst from the lips of the sexton who was leading the way. “What is the matter? ”’ ialiided Lady Bellenden, for the moment stricken by a superstitious terror. ‘‘ There — yonder — that coffin!’’ cried Northwitch, COU Doo “eS mn