The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 18: what you’re looking at

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

2 THE COURT OF LONDON gentleman, dressed in deep mourning, slowly. ascended the steps of the portico and entered St. George’s Church, the doors of which were already opened. His countenance was pale and full of a deep melancholy; there was something peculiarly touching and profoundly interesting in its ex- pression; and amiability, goodness, and generosity were at the same time blended in every trait. On entering the church, the young gentleman proceeded straight to the vestry, where the clerk was seated at a table poring over one of the huge parish registers. ‘Good morning, Mr. Malvern — or Sir Valentine Malvern, as I suppose I ought to call you,” said the clerk, rising from his seat and making a low bow. “It is true that my friends wish me to assume the family honours, as they have already persuaded me to take the management of the estate,’’ observed the young gentleman, with a profound sigh; ‘‘ but I cannot endure the thought of adopting a course which, after all, might prove an usur- pation.”’ ‘““T wish that I eodia give you any hope, sir, of your lamented father’s restoration,” said the clerk. ‘I had known him for many years, ever since he first came to live in Hanover Square, and I have therefore known you also, Sir Valentine, from your childhood — ”’ “Do not address me as if I were already in possession of the title, my good friend,” interrupted Malvern. “I have vowed to suffer a year to pass before I will consider my father as really dead, although, to speak candidly, Mr. Jackson, I feel that I am hoping against hope’s extinction, and therefore in very desperation.”’ ‘Alas! yes, Mr. Malvern, — since it is thus that you choose to be still called,” observed the clerk; ‘‘ so mysterious a disappearance, happening all on a sudden, and without leaving a trace behind, cannot be accounted for otherwise than by the supposition that accident or foul play must have overtaken the unfortunate gentleman. If it was an accident, sir, some clue would have been discovered; and therefore —” ‘“ Proceed not, Jackson, —’tis too dreadful to reflect upon,” interrupted Malvern. Then, as if to divert his thoughts from the melancholy topic, he said, ‘‘ Have you found the entry in the register of births? ” ‘‘T have, sir,” replied Jackson. ‘‘ You were born on the econnicloolks (€(0)